A major economic development push by Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday brought hundreds of new local jobs closer to being a reality.
The board unanimously agreed to issue up to $942 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds for a proposed solar cell manufacturing plant in the Mesa del Sol industrial development area.
The 834,000-square-foot Apollo plant proposed by Ebon Solar would employ 911 people, according to the county.
Learn more about industrial revenue bonds here.
“This project represents the type of advanced renewable energy manufacturing I want in my district, Bernalillo County, and our state,” Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada said. “Bringing over 900 new jobs to central New Mexico is a significant win for our region.”
The company plans to make photovoltaic solar cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. Ebon Solar expects to break ground early in 2025 and open the plant 12 months later, county spokesperson Estevan Vásquez said. Construction will be ongoing and continue over two phases, he said, but hiring has already begun and the company is already working from an office at Mesa del Sol.
Vásquez said the New Mexico Economic Development Department will contribute $10 million in Local Economic Development Act money to the project. The City of Albuquerque, he said, has approved a $1 million contribution and will serve as the fiscal agent.
Ebon Solar, headquartered in Singapore, will be responsible for payback on the bonds the county issued. The county is also not making a loan to the company or lending its credit.
“The Ebon Solar Project Apollo not only aligns with Bernalillo County’s strategic goal of fostering economic vitality but also signifies a commitment to clean energy and job creation in the community,” Vásquez said.