FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                         

April 24, 2025                                                                                                                          

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Officially Breaks Ground on Amalia II 8.75 MW Solar & 8.75 MW/17.5 MWh Battery Energy Storage Facility 

In partnership with RCCLA, Guzman Energy and Luminace, the Amalia II Solar & Battery Facility will start construction in June 2025.

Amalia, NM - Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) has officially broken ground on the highly anticipated Amalia II Solar & Battery facility. Nestled close to the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, the Amalia II project will contribute an impressive 8.75 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation, along with 8.75 MW and 17.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) of advanced battery storage. This significant addition will be placed adjacent to the existing 1.25 MW Amalia I solar facility, effectively elevating KCEC's total solar generation capacity to approximately 50 MW and 25 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), positioning it as the second-largest solar installation within the cooperative's service territory. The project is expected to start construction in June 2025. 

KCEC is collaborating with esteemed partners, including the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association (RCCLA), Luminace, and Guzman Energy, to bring this initiative to fruition. Under a comprehensive 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), KCEC will procure energy generated by Luminace, a leading renewable energy developer known for its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, Guzman Energy, the cooperative's wholesale energy supplier, will manage all aspects of energy operations, including the strategic oversight and dispatching of the innovative BESS.

Strategically positioned adjacent to the existing Amalia I facility, the new Amalia II project will occupy land leased from RCCLA, whose membership comprises of dedicated local ranching, farming, and hunting families. Bobby Ortega, Chairman of the KCEC Board, underscores the importance of this partnership: "As a local generational farmer and rancher, the collaboration between RCCLA and KCEC ensures that our communities have the resources necessary to sustain and nurture our cultural heritage and traditions. This project is not only beneficial; it allows the land to continue serving the vital purposes that make this region so remarkable."

The land surrounding the Amalia II array, Rio Costilla, is managed by the RCCLA, which prides itself on being the "caretakers of the land." The organization's mission focuses on preserving and enhancing the area's rich biodiversity. Rio Costilla is renowned for its breathtaking views of Latir, Mount Blanca, and Ortiz Peaks. KCEC's siting of the solar array was coordinated with RCCLA to ensure that the landscape's natural beauty remains intact, protects wildlife migration routes, and explores future opportunities for agrivoltaic applications?integrating agricultural practices with solar energy production.

Nick Vigil, President of RCCLA, highlights the community's reliance on the natural resources of their region: "Our RCCLA members and communities depend on the unique beauty this area offers, which supports activities like hunting, fishing, camping, ranching, and farming. We are embracing the shift toward renewable energy to secure a sustainable future for generations to come, providing our multigenerational families with continued opportunities." 

The Amalia II facility will enhance solar energy generation and increase battery capacity in the region. It will also play a crucial role in wildfire mitigation, improving the reliability and resilience of the local energy grid. Additionally, KCEC is working on three BESS microgrid projects and focusing on green hydrogen production to overcome the challenges of energy generation during non-daylight hours.

On Earth Day, April 22, 2025, KCEC joyfully commemorated the groundbreaking of this innovative solar and battery facility. The 2025 Earth Day theme, "OUR POWER, OUR PLANET," encourages global unity in promoting renewable energy initiatives aimed at tripling clean electricity sources by the year 2030. Currently, KCEC has achieved 100% daytime solar and seeks to expand its renewable resource portfolio, working towards an ambitious goal of complete reliance on renewable energy. The Amalia II solar array will mark an important milestone as the 21st solar facility owned or operated by KCEC within its service territory. This solar installation is not just an addition to KCEC's renewable energy portfolio; it will also represent the third battery storage facility integrated into their operations. The incorporation of advanced battery technology will enhance the reliability and efficiency of energy distribution, allowing KCEC to better meet the needs of its customers while promoting sustainability in the region.

###

About Kit Carson Electric Cooperative 

Formed in 1944, Kit Carson is a member owned electric distribution cooperative in northern New Mexico and is the second largest cooperative in the state. Kit Carson is one of 16 electric cooperatives that serve rural New Mexico communities, serving nearly 30,000 members in Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties. To learn more about Kit Carson, visit www.kitcarson.com.

About Guzman Energy

Guzman Energy is a wholesale power provider dedicated to communities in search of affordable and reliable energy. We partner with cooperatives, municipalities, companies, and tribes across North America to customize energy portfolios that make economic and environmental sense for today and tomorrow. Together, we are lighting the way forward. Visit www.guzmanenergy.com.

About Luminace