New Mexico to draw up blueprint for clean energy grid

July 13, 2010

New Mexico is drawing up plans for a renewable energy transmission system.

State Governor Bill Richardson has announced a new task force to help the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) to create a blueprint for a future clean energy grid.

The move followed the naming of New Mexico as the fastest-growing state for green jobs in the Rocky Mountain states, within a report from Headwaters Economics.

The report suggested there was a 62% growth in green jobs.

New Mexico has a potential 104 million megawatt-hours a year of solar generating potential and 56 million MWh of wind generating power. From 2004 to 2007, the state’s renewable energy production grew by 200%.

“Sensible”

Governor Richardson said: “I am directing this task force to assist RETA with coming up with a sensible, statewide transmission system plan.

“Like President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, a smart, robust renewable energy grid will spur economic growth for decades to come,” added Gov. Richardson.

The new task force is chaired by the state’s deputy secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources, Jim Noel, and includes representation from various interests including industry, utilities, green groups and landowners.

Mr Noel, who is also a RETA board member, said: “New Mexico is already emerging as a major part of our nation’s clean energy future. This group will help design a transmission system plan to further augment renewable energy growth.”