New Mexico works with Chevron to expand renewables in Permian

The New Mexico State Land Office announced January 13 the approval of the new Hayhurst solar energy project in Eddy County that will bring an estimated $7mn in new revenue for the state.

Chevron, the second-largest oil and gas company in the US, has partnered with Algonquin Power and Utilities to develop the Hayhurst New Mexico solar project as part of Chevron’s efforts to lower the carbon footprint of its Permian Basin operations.

Phase one of the project will include 55,000 solar panels and generate 20 MW of green electricity in the Permian, where Chevron has been active since the early 1920s.

"Our story in the Permian is a product of hard, smart work and disciplined investment decisions combined with efficient, competitive performance," Jeff Gustavson, vice president of Chevron's mid-continent business unit, said. "We’re proud of our position in the Permian, as well as the role we play in supporting the region’s energy resurgence."

Phase two will generate 11 MW once grid tie-in permission is obtained from the local utility.

The New Mexico land office is on track to exceed its goal of tripling its renewable energy production on state lands within four years.