Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources that are unlimited and continually replenished. There are five major ways renewable energy is converted into electricity:
- Wind, using wind turbines
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
- Biomass conversion
- Hydropower (power produced with moving water)
- Geothermal (heat that is produced inside the earth)
Electric energy generated using fossil fuel or nuclear energy is not considered renewable energy.
Learn more about renewable energy.
In New Mexico
New Mexico has some of the richest wind resources in the nation with wind speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. The wind energy in some parts of New Mexico is comparable to wind resources in Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and the Dakotas.
Learn more about wind energy in New Mexico.
New Mexico’s solar resources are second only to Arizona in the U.S., with an average of 278 days of sunshine each year.
Learn more about energy in New Mexico.
Why is Renewable Energy Important to New Mexico?
The generation and transmission of renewable energy in New Mexico offers substantial benefits to the state.
- Transmission projects attract large investments from the private sector to New Mexico.
- Large renewable generation and transmission developments take place primarily in rural New Mexico. Over the next dozen years, it is expected that up to 3,700 jobs will be created each year, both permanent and temporary construction jobs. Once construction is completed, up to 800 permanent jobs will be needed to support the infrastructure that has been developed.
- Renewable energy also facilitates urban recruitment. Many companies, such as Netflix and Facebook, are part of a growing trend for large companies to acquire their power from renewable resources. By increasing the state’s renewable energy capacity, there is increased opportunity to attract businesses that further expand New Mexico’s economy.
- Investment in renewable energy transmission will also have positive cascading effects through improved power system reliability, efficient electricity generation and efficient grid operations.
