Xcel Brings New Solar and Battery Projects Online in Texas

Xcel Energy announced that new solar generation and battery storage facilities are now in service, including a major project at its Plant X site near Earth, Texas.

The company said the new resources are part of its long-term strategy to balance affordability, reliability, and growing electricity demand across Texas and New Mexico.

"This is about making smart, responsible investments on behalf of our customers," said Brad Baldridge, interim president at Xcel. "These projects reflect how we plan for the long term, to balance energy resources and deliver reliable service while implementing cost-effective solutions for our customers."

The Texas project, known as Plant X Solar, replaces former natural gas-fired Units 1 and 2 at the Plant X facility. It includes 150 megawatts of solar generation across approximately 1,200 acres east of the existing plant.

The facility connects to the grid through the existing substation and transmission infrastructure. Xcel is also seeking approval to add a 150-megawatt battery energy storage system at Plant X, which could begin operations in 2027 if regulators approve the proposal.

Battery storage systems allow utilities to store electricity when generation costs are lower and release that power during times of higher demand, helping reduce strain on the grid and improve reliability.

In addition to the Texas project, Xcel placed two solar developments into service at the Cunningham Generating Station near Hobbs. Cunningham 1 includes 72 megawatts of solar power with a 36-megawatt battery system, while Cunningham 2 will add 196 megawatts of solar power when it comes online in April 2027.

The company said both Plant X Solar and the initial Cunningham solar facilities officially entered service on April 1.

Texas continues to see rapid investment in solar and storage infrastructure as utilities work to meet rising demand driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and new data center development.

Xcel's new Plant X projects add to Texas' growing clean energy portfolio and highlight how utilities are increasingly pairing solar with battery storage to strengthen grid reliability and control long-term costs.