Kit Carson Electric selects Nuvve for 10 MW New Mexico projects

The two 5 MW / 20 MWh battery systems have been deployed under a Battery-as-a-Service model without upfront capital investment.
The two 5 MW / 20 MWh battery systems have been deployed under a Battery-as-a-Service model without upfront capital investment. Image Source: AI
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Executive Summary

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) has selected Nuvve New Mexico to deploy two battery energy storage systems in northern New Mexico under a Battery-as-a-Service (BAAS) model. Each system is rated at 5 MW / 20 MWh, providing four hours of storage. The Nuvve is responsible for development, ownership, financing and long-term operation. The projects allow KCEC to access utility-scale storage without upfront capital expenditure while shifting technical and financial risk to the service provider. The batteries support peak load management, grid resiliency, microgrid operation, and participation in the Western Energy Imbalance Market.

DATA SNAPSHOT

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC), a member-owned rural electric cooperative, has selected Nuvve New Mexico, LLC, a subsidiary of San Diego–based Nuvve Holding Corp., to deploy and operate battery energy storage systems under a Battery-as-a-Service (BAAS) structure. The projects involve two separate installations in northern New Mexico, each rated at 5 MW / 20 MWh, providing four hours of storage duration per system.

As part of the agreed BAAS structure, Nuvve New Mexico is responsible for the development, ownership, financing, operation, maintenance, augmentation, and performance of the battery systems. The BAAS model allows Kit Carson Electric Cooperative to access utility-scale storage infrastructure without upfront capital expenditure, while shifting long-term technical and financial responsibilities to the service provider. The batteries support peak load mitigation, grid resiliency, and regional market participation through the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM), operated via Guzman Energy and the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) Balancing Authority Area.

The battery systems are designed with grid-forming and black-start capabilities allow operation during outages, enabling micro grid functionality and continued power supply to essential community facilities. The batteries are configured to support healthcare operations and surrounding critical infrastructure, including fire, rescue, and assisted-living infrastructure. The systems also support local distribution networks through peak demand management and operational flexibility.

Luis Reyes, CEO of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, said that the BAAS model enables deployment of advanced battery storage while preserving financial flexibility.

Ted Smith, CEO of Nuvve New Mexico, said that the projects illustrate how BAAS can provide grid services and cost predictability without adding utility balance-sheet exposure.

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