El Paso Electric (EPE) plans to bring another 228 MW of natural gas-fired power generation online in December, and to begin operating an additional four more units over the next several years. EPE plans to diversity its generation fleet with solar power and energy storage, and requested proposals for renewable energy projects in an Oct. 6 regulatory filing. The utility plans to add 88 MW of energy to its fleet in 2032 and 52-MW gas-fires in 2034, an 80-MW unit in 2038, and a 54-MW combustion turbine in 2040. It is also planning to add a 52- MW unit in2034 and 52 MW in 2036. The company plans for at least 80% of its generation to be carbon-free by 2035, with a goal of 100% carbon free power by 2050. About 3% of the utility’s power came from solar resources last year, and about 3% will increase this year thanks to the start of commercial operation of a new 120-MW solar farm this summer near Chaparral, New Mexico.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
