The Escalante Solar project, a 200 MW renewable energy initiative near Grants, New Mexico, began generating carbon-free electricity on June 1, 2024. Built on the site of the retired Escalante Generating Station, the project is a key part of Tri-State’s clean energy transition. It powers approximately 63,000 homes within the Continental Divide Electric Cooperative’s service area under a PPA with Origis Energy. Funded by a $2.5 billion USDA New ERA Program grant, the project utilized 500,000 Vega Series Mono-Bifacial PV modules from Boviet Solar and solar trackers supplied by Array Technologies. Gridworks handled construction, employing 400 workers, while Origis Energy Services oversees operations and maintenance, creating 4-6 on-site jobs. Escalante Solar is recognized as Solar Builder Magazine’s 2024 Project of the Year Over 10 MW.