Desiree's Foxtail Flat and Four Mile Mesa Solar Projects to Begin Construction in San Juan County

In a recent San Juan County Commission meeting, discussions centered around the development of two significant solar and storage projects, Foxtail Flat Solar and Four Mile Mesa Solar, spearheaded by Desiree, a subsidiary of D.E. Shaw Renewables. The meeting, held on April 15, 2025, highlighted the progress and future plans for these projects, which are set to contribute substantially to the region's renewable energy landscape.

Desiree has already made strides in the area with the San Juan Solar 1 project, a 200-megawatt solar and storage facility nearing operational status. The new projects, located primarily on Ute Mountain Ute tribal lands, aim to harness solar energy with a combined capacity of 270 megawatts and an additional 180 megawatts of battery storage. The Foxtail Flat project is expected to begin construction by the end of this year, with operations commencing in late 2026, while the Four Mile Mesa project is slated to follow in 2027.

Key discussions during the meeting included the need for collaboration between the county and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, particularly regarding fire safety services, as the tribe currently lacks the capacity to provide these services. The county's involvement will be crucial in ensuring that safety measures are effectively implemented as the projects move forward.

The projects have already secured land rights, pending approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is in place for part of the Foxtail Flat project with Los Alamos. However, negotiations for a PPA for the Four Mile Mesa project are still ongoing.

As the county continues to navigate the complexities of these developments, the potential for renewable energy growth in San Juan County remains promising. The collaboration between local government, tribal authorities, and renewable energy developers could pave the way for a more sustainable future in the region, aligning with broader goals of energy independence and environmental stewardship.