The Jicarilla Apache Nation (the Nation) is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Shallow Basket Energy, a significant step forward in sustainable energy development and economic growth for the Nation and the surrounding region. This monumental project, a collaborative effort with National Renewable Solutions and Guzman Energy, will bring a 190 MWac solar and storage installation to the leased land in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.
Shallow Basket Energy will consist of 140 MWac dedicated to solar power generation and an additional 50 MW dedicated to energy storage. Once operational in 2025, National Renewable Solutions, the project developer, will own the project and Guzman Energy will purchase 100% of the power and associated renewable attributes generated by this project.
Jicarilla Apache Nation is leasing its land for Shallow Basket Energy and will also benefit from power produced by the project through its wholesale supply agreement with Guzman Energy. Shallow Basket Energy will be part of Guzman Energy’s power supply portfolio, serving current and future Guzman Energy wholesale customer power loads.
“Shallow Basket Energy is going to create an affordable, renewable source of power. The fact that it is on Jicarilla Apache Nation land, and will benefit its residents, is especially gratifying,” said Christopher A. Miller, Co-founder and CEO of Guzman Energy.
This initiative represents one of the largest renewable energy installations on tribal land in the United States, showcasing the Jicarilla Apache Nation’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The project will not only harness the sun’s power but also significantly boost local grid reliability.
“We are excited to partner with National Renewable Solutions and Guzman Energy on Shallow Basket Energy. This project symbolizes our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic growth for our community,” said Vice President Sonja Newton of the Jicarilla Apache Nation. “We are proud to be at the forefront of renewable energy development on tribal land.”
Currently, the Jicarilla Apache Nation hosts a 50 MWac solar project that powers 87% of City of Albuquerque offices demonstrating the Nation’s ongoing leadership in renewable energy. Shallow Basket Energy builds upon this foundation, promising economic benefits, job creation and a more resilient energy infrastructure for the community.
Once operational, Shallow Basket will produce enough power for 38,000 homes annually and will boost local grid reliability by storing and dispatching power when it’s needed. The energy that this project produces will offset carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 266,000 metric tons annually.
“Communities are the foundation of each project we develop, and we are thrilled to celebrate the foresight and wisdom of the Jicarilla Apache Nation that helped lead to the creation of the Shallow Basket Project,” said Bill Whitlock, CEO, National Renewable Solutions. “Today we commemorate the start of construction for a major infrastructure project that will produce clean energy and bring annual revenue to the Jicarilla Apache Nation.”
