Albuquerque, N.M., Aug 23 -  

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce hosted a renewable energy summit here today entitled "Advancing Renewable Energy in New Mexico: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions," which featured an exceptionally productive roundtable discussion between leaders from universities, science, industry, and government.

Note: see below for quotes from participants.

Bill Real, Senior Vice President of Policy for PNM, helped set the tone for the forum by insisting that all renewable energy proposals must be viewed through the lens of economic viability, reliability, and the availability of realistic plans for implementation. Mr. Real thus helped Rep. Pearce focus the discussion more upon practical solutions than theoretical possibilities.

All participants agreed that renewable energy holds significant promise for New Mexico, both as a supplemental source of power and as an engine for economic growth. The group tackled a number of impediments to the growth of renewable energy, while formulating action items for a working group that will carry forward the research, planning, and implementation of solutions. Highlights of the discussions follow:

Solar Energy: The participants agreed that affordability constitutes a significant barrier to adoption. A residential solar panel system can cost $2,500, placing it far above the means of most New Mexicans. Rep. Pearce posed the following challenge: How could we place solar panel systems on 10,000 roofs across New Mexico for $1,000 or less per residence? Producing 500 watts of power, such systems could power a refrigerator and save $600 per year per home.

Odes Armijo-Caster, President of the Renewable Energy Association of New Mexico and Mary Shields, President of BP Solar North America contended that achieving this price point was unlikely, but accepted Rep. Pearce’s challenge to find a way. Dean Steve Castillo of New Mexico State University’s College of Engineering agreed that the University could provide this project with research assistance.

Biomass: Kyle Hoodenpyle and Sharon Lombardi of the Dairy Producers of New Mexico indicated that they have been investigating the development of biomass plants as a solution for manure disposal. The discussion included the viability of strategically placing biomass plants near small communities, which could relieve pressure on New Mexico’s power grid while driving economic development in these areas. Participants also agreed that the Dairy Producers of New Mexico should investigate the development of pipeline grade methane (natural gas) from manure in concert with New Mexico State University.

Geothermal: Jim Witcher of the Geothermal Energy Association stated that one barrier to the development of geothermal energy remains the identification of hot water deposits. Rep. Pearce suggested that Southeastern New Mexico oil producers routinely encounter such hot water deposits in the course of their activities. Accordingly, potential synergies exist between these two industries that could provide mutually beneficial opportunities for cooperation.

Wind: The participants agreed Eastern New Mexico constitutes one of the best locations in the United States for wind energy production, but the chief obstacle remains the transmission of wind-generated energy to potential markets in Western New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Moreover, a strategy for wind energy development must account for the cyclical availability of wind energy (wind is plentiful on winter mornings, but not on summer afternoons). The group discussed the possibility of co-locating solar farms and wind farms, as the best times for generating solar energy tend to be when wind energy is less available.

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce: "This renewable energy summit produced a quality of discussion, creative thinking, and cooperation that significantly exceeded my expectations. We witnessed a diversity of viewpoints but a singularity of purpose – to place our state at the forefront of this exciting field. And today marks just the beginning of our efforts."

Steve Castillo, Dean, New Mexico State University College of Engineering: "Energy is a primary ingredient for economic development. The increasing cost of petroleum and gas threatens to choke growth in New Mexico. The energy roundtable is a good step towards making New Mexico a national leader in energy independence. "

Ben Luce, Chair and Policy Director, New Mexico Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy: "This roundtable was a very good exchange of ideas. I learned a lot about biomass. There has been a lot of progress in New Mexico on renewable energy, but not often tied in with other interests, particularly in southern New Mexico. Our best solar resources are in the South and I hope this spurs development of that resource."

Kevin Groenewold, Executive Vice President & General Manager, New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association: "The task of achieving energy independence in this country will be formidable. As we move forward toward that goal there should be many opportunities for rural New Mexico. This roundtable highlighted many of these opportunities."

Mary Shields, President of BP Solar North America: "The importance of the forums like this cannot be overstated. Companies like BP are making significant investments in renewable energy and we are encouraged by the cooperative efforts of policy makers, researchers and industry to seize the opportunity of a renewable energy future."

###