Bingaman & Udall: $10 Million Will Support Geothermal in New Mexico

October 30, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has released over $10 million for four New Mexico projects aimed at exploring and developing new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies. Funding comes from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

“Geothermal energy can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly form of energy production. This funding will help New Mexico take advantage of the current technology, and make investments in advancing this important technology, as well,” Bingaman said.

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“Advanced geothermal technology holds immense potential as a carbon free energy source and economic stimulator,” said Udall. “Much of our state is a known or potential geothermal resource, so we are in the perfect position develop another source of energy and create jobs in the process,” Udall said.

The following projects will receive funding:

* $4.99 million - Pueblo of Jemez: The pueblo’s project involves utilizing different technologies to image and locate geothermal reservoirs in Jemez Pueblo.
* $3 million Simbol Mining Corp. (Pleasanton, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Sacramento, CA; Calipatria, CA): This project will develop technologies that extract valuable metals and compounds from geothermal fluids.
* $1.99 million - New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology: New Mexico Tech New will construct a district heating system at the NM Tech Campus.
* $50,000 Arthur Mansure of Albuquerque: Mansure is a life cycle expert who will determine and document sustainability of geothermal development.

Source: Senator Tom Udall