Key Takeaways

• Kit Carson Electric Cooperative broke ground on the Amalia II Solar & Battery facility, adding 8.75 MW of solar power and battery capacity.
• Partnerships with local organizations and companies enhance sustainability and community engagement.
• The project will bolster energy reliability, assist in wildfire mitigation, and preserve the region’s natural beauty.

Project Overview

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of its Amalia II Solar & Battery facility. This new project aims to add 8.75 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic power generation, complemented by 8.75 MW and 17.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) of advanced battery storage. Once completed, the facility will significantly enhance KCEC’s total solar generation capacity to approximately 50 MW, along with 25 MW of battery storage, making it the second-largest solar project in its service area.

Construction for the facility is set to begin in June 2025, and KCEC is collaborating with key partners including the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association, Luminace, and Guzman Energy. A comprehensive 25-year Power Purchase Agreement will allow KCEC to source energy from Luminace, known for its commitment to renewable energy solutions. Guzman Energy will oversee the energy operations for the facility, ensuring effective management and dispatch of the battery energy storage system.

Community Impact

The Amalia II project is situated on leased land from the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association, which comprises local ranching, farming, and hunting families. Bobby Ortega, chairman of the KCEC board, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it allows the land to continue serving vital community functions while securing energy resources for local families.

Nick Vigil, president of the association, emphasized the community’s connection to the region’s natural resources. He pointed out that the community engages in versatile activities such as hunting, fishing, and farming, indicating a strong commitment to both the preservation of natural beauty and the integration of renewable energy solutions.

Environmental Considerations

The placement of the solar array has been thoughtfully coordinated with the association to maintain the area’s scenic integrity, protect wildlife migration routes, and explore opportunities for agrivoltaic applications. This approach integrates agricultural practices with solar energy production, ensuring a sustainable future.

In addition to enhancing solar energy generation and battery capacity, the Amalia II facility will contribute to wildfire mitigation efforts, thereby improving the reliability and resilience of the local energy grid. KCEC is also engaged in developing three Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) microgrid projects and is focusing on green hydrogen production to tackle energy generation challenges during non-daylight hours.

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