The state's largest solar power plant has opened on 600 acres in southern New Mexico.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that New Mexico State Land Commissioner Ray Powell visited Deming on Wednesday to mark the opening of Macho Springs Solar Facility.
Built of state trust land in Luna County, the project is jointly owned by Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power and by Turner Renewable Energy.
Powell says the 50 megawatt solar power project provided about 300 jobs during the construction phase.
The Macho Springs project will provide El Paso Electric with solar energy for the next 20 years through a purchase agreement that will impact 395,000 customers in both New Mexico and Texas.
The plant was built and will be operated by First Solar.
New Mexico's Largest Solar Plant to Impact Texas Customers
Copyright AP - Associated Press
