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The Escalante Solar Project (Over 10 MW Category) has been honored as Solar Builder's Project of the Year, and we couldn’t be prouder to have contributed to this remarkable achievement. Congratulations to Gridworks, an incredible partner whose collaboration and expertise were instrumental in making this 238 MWDC project a smooth and successful journey. Built on the site of the retired Escalante coal plant in Prewitt, NM, this project is a true symbol of progress, replacing a coal facility with clean, renewable energy while navigating complex site constraints with innovation and precision.
At Pure Power Engineering, we delivered a comprehensive range of services to support this milestone project, including electrical construction drawings, advanced PVsyst modeling, cable thermal property assessments, short circuit evaluations, load flow and reactive power analysis, grounding design, arc-flash analysis, and development engineering support to address site challenges.
Congratulations to Gridworks and all the partners who brought this vision to life. Together, we’re powering a sustainable future!
December 2024
Escalante Solar: A Symbol of Progress and Local Impact
The Escalante Solar Project, recognized as Solar Builder’s 2024 Project of the Year in the Over 10 MW category, is a shining example of renewable energy transformation. Built across 1,714 acres in Prewitt, New Mexico, on the site of the retired Escalante coal-fired station, this project symbolizes the energy transition as part of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s Responsible Energy Plan. The 238 MWDC/200 MWAC project, developed under a power purchase agreement with Origis Energy, provides renewable energy to Tri-State’s members, including 11 electric cooperative members in New Mexico.
As Kevin Bassalleck, president of Gridworks, remarked, “There’s some cool symbolism when you see it, especially from the air, of this coal plant that literally looks like it’s getting swallowed or enveloped by a PV array.” The dramatic backdrop of the desert mesas highlights this transformation, visually representing the shift from coal to clean energy.
The project faced several challenges, including complex site constraints, varying geological conditions, and a tight schedule to meet interconnection deadlines. Gridworks, in collaboration with Tri-State and Origis Energy, overcame these obstacles through innovative planning, workforce coordination, and engineering solutions. The team managed permitting, geological, and archaeological considerations while maintaining an accelerated eight-month timeline from start to mechanical completion.
In addition to contributing to New Mexico’s renewable energy goals under the Energy Transition Act, which targets 100% renewables by 2050, the Escalante Solar project had a significant local impact. Over its lifetime, it will generate approximately $7.1 million in tax revenue for McKinley County and $2.4 million for the local school district. It also created jobs and opportunities for career growth, supported by Gridworks’ apprenticeship program aimed at fostering long-term benefits for the community.
This project not only advances sustainability but also embodies the collaborative spirit needed to navigate the challenges of a changing energy landscape. As Bassalleck aptly put it, “Big kudos to Tri-State... five years ahead of schedule is a big, big deal.” The Escalante Solar Project is a powerful symbol of progress and a brighter future for renewable energy.
Source: Solar Builder Magazine, Escalante Solar 2024 Project of the Year
For more information on our Utility-Scale Engineering Services please visit www.PurePower.com/Utility-Scale-Solar or email info@PurePower.com.
