New facility located in Cibola County New Mexico includes more than 150,000 solar modules over 450-acres
New Mexico’s sun has a new job this month with the commercial operation of the Route 66 solar facility. The 49.5-megawatt solar facility incorporates a unique design in which more than 150,000 solar panels capture rays while the sun rises and then capture reflective rays directly from the ground. The Route 66 solar facility will produce energy to help power the Meta (formerly the Facebook company) Los Lunas Data Center, helping ensure Meta supports 100% of its global operations with renewable energy. PNM is committed to 100-percent carbon-free electricity for its customers.
“We proudly support our customers in realizing their sustainable energy goals, whether it is our neighbors installing solar on their rooftops or businesses seeking renewable energy options,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, chair and CEO of PNM. “The Route 66 solar facility aligns with our values at PNM. This project increases renewable energy, creates local jobs and brings investment into New Mexico.”
The Route 66 solar facility serves as a bright light in a challenging environment. In light of potential resource limitations for summer 2023, PNM issued a request for proposals in May seeking new resources that could serve PNM customers reliably and cost-effectively.
Located in Cibola County, New Mexico, the Route 66 solar facility spans over 450 acres. On March 21, 2018, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved the PNM plan to purchase additional renewable energy for the Meta Data Center in Los Lunas, NM. The site and facility were developed by NextEra Energy Resources.