NM Gov. Richardson Announces Efforts to Secure Stimulus Funds for New Mexico Green Grid Initiative

August 31, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that New Mexico, supported by many partners, has filed an application for tens of millions in federal stimulus dollars to create a new, clean way to deliver electricity to homes and businesses in New Mexico using “smart grid” technology.

The New Mexico Green Grid Initiative aims to reduce peak power use by 25 percent; increase energy efficiency by 6 percent; and deliver 25 percent of electricity from renewable energy by 2020, among other improvements to the state’s electric power grid. The project would add significant renewable energy resources to the power grid, and enable small communities to export clean energy.

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“New Mexico is a national leader in clean energy and through the New Mexico Green Grid Initiative we will serve as a national model on how to develop and sustain a smart, green electricity grid using the best technology,” Governor Richardson said. “This project can lead to a significant increase in the use of wind and solar power in New Mexico, and empower consumers to better manage their own energy use."

This effort, which Governor Richardson put into motion last year, could receive a significant boost now that the U.S. Department of Energy has set aside hundreds of millions for demonstration projects via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The New Mexico Computing Applications Center, on behalf of the Green Grid Initiative, has applied for more than $50 million in competitive funding. The money would be used to launch five demonstration projects throughout the state to show an economically and technologically viable energy delivery solution.

“Our vision is that these demonstration projects will serve as a foundation to attract venture capital to build out a complete green grid in New Mexico and to see the successes of our demonstration projects replicated throughout the country, especially in rural America,” Governor Richardson said.

Matching funds and other contributions committed by public and private industry partners could lead to a total investment of more than three times that amount in the New Mexico Green Grid Initiative.

New Mexico’s Green Grid Initiative is receiving world‐wide attention due to the unique partnership of New Mexico with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan. New Mexico is the only state that has an agreement with Japan on joint economic development.

NEDO is a partner in the Green Grid Initiative and expects to provide up to $30 million for Japanese companies to partner in two of the five demonstration projects.

Locations of potential demonstration projects include Taos, Los Alamos, Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Roosevelt County. The combined projects call for the installation of thousands of “smart meters” in homes and businesses, which can help consumers better monitor their energy use; construction of a wind farm in Roosevelt County; and installation of solar panels to power homes and businesses, among other projects.

“I am proud of New Mexico’s comprehensive vision that offers the focus and resources that, if funded, can result in real solutions for our global energy future,” said Governor Richardson. “I applaud our public and private partners, including New Mexico State University, utilities, and businesses. Los Alamos National Laboratory dedicated exceptional and critical technical and grant‐writing resources without which this application would not have been possible. Also crucial to the effort was the country of Japan."

The team balances extensive utility and electricity experience with world‐class project management experience.

The Green Grid Initiative includes the following members:

• New Mexico Computing Applications Center • New Mexico Economic Development Department • New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department • New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization of Japan • New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority • CH2M HILL • Intel • Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories • Galvin Electricity Initiative • General Motors • Hunt Energy • Siemens • Viridity Energy • Whirlpool • Kit Carson Electric Cooperative • Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities • Public Service Company of New Mexico • Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative • Mesa del Sol • New Mexico State University • New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology • University of New Mexico • Los Alamos National Laboratory • Sandia National Laboratories

Source: New Mexico Governor