Albuquerque – September 15, 2026 -- The City of Albuquerque is deploying approximately 6 MW of solar energy generation across eight municipal facilities, closing the remaining gap toward its goal of 100% renewable energy for city operations. Sustainability Partners (SP), a Public Benefit Company, is financing and delivering the infrastructure alongside contractor Energy Systems Group (ESG) under a zero-upfront-cost model.
Construction begins at first two sites under phased rollout through 2027
A groundbreaking ceremony held last week marked the start of construction at the Eastside Animal Shelter and Highland Pool, the first two of eight planned locations. Additional installations are slated for the West Mesa Aquatic Center, Duke City BMX Park, Isotopes Park, the Ken Sanchez Transit Facility, the City's 911 Call Center, and the Albuquerque International Sunport, with the remaining sites phasing in through 2027.
Sunport installation adds EV chargers and battery storage for critical operations
The Albuquerque International Sunport installation will include 10 electric vehicle chargers and battery energy storage to support critical electrical needs at the airport. ESG designed a mix of rooftop and solar carport systems across the eight sites, combining renewable generation with shaded parking at high-traffic municipal facilities.
SP's Infrastructure as a Service model shifts capital burden away from the City
Under SP's Infrastructure as a Service model, the company provides upfront capital and manages installation and long-term maintenance, while the City pays monthly usage fees once the systems are operational. Adam Cain, CEO of Sustainability Partners, said the model removes barriers public entities face around upfront capital, equipment selection, and long-term maintenance, allowing Albuquerque to pursue climate goals without diverting funds from other priority capital projects.
Mayor Tim Keller said the approach allows the City to expand clean energy deployment without placing the full cost of building and maintaining the systems on taxpayers.
Deal marks SP's first major Albuquerque project; ESG has prior city ties
The project is Sustainability Partners' first major engagement with the City of Albuquerque, while ESG has previously partnered with the city on modernizing energy infrastructure. ESG CEO Jeff Blum said the utility is standing with Albuquerque as it works toward its 100% renewable energy target for municipal operations.