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Friday, January 22, 2010
N.M. Solar Future Is Getting Brighter
By Rhone Resch
President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association
and Pam Eaton
Deputy Vice President, Public Lands Campaign of the Wilderness Society
In May, Schott Solar opened its flagship U.S. manufacturing facility for utility-scale solar power plant components and rooftop photovoltaic panels at Mesa del Sol. With support from local officials and Gov. Bill Richardson, Schott's opening signaled a $100 million investment in New Mexico's economy and the creation of 300 new local jobs, with an estimated 350 more by year's end.
New Mexico is quickly becoming a leader in converting its world-class solar resources into profitable, clean electricity. For example, SkyFuel Inc., a utility-scale solar technology provider and services company headquartered in Albuquerque, is contributing to the state's strong and growing solar sector.
By combining world-class solar resources with strong commitment from public officials to develop in a manner that does not jeopardize sensitive wildlife or wildlands, New Mexico is poised to become a global leader in solar energy development.
New Mexico's geography is its trump card. Many unproductive tracts throughout the state are strong candidates for utility-scale solar power plants. And unlike how we've developed traditional energy sources, we can site utility-scale solar plants in a way that balances environmental protection with our energy needs. There is no false choice between protecting the landscape and responsibly developing utility-scale solar projects on appropriate sites.
After the passage of the solar investment tax credit in 2008, pro-solar provisions in the February stimulus package, and the Bureau of Land Management's June announcement to prioritize utility-scale solar power plant development in the Southwest, there never has been a better time for utilities, as well as families and businesses, to adopt solar in New Mexico.
The related job potential is enormous. In 2008, Navigant Consulting Inc. released a report estimating that the solar industry will create 440,000 permanent American jobs, attract $325 billion in investment, and increase total green energy deployment from 9,000 to 28,000 megawatts by 2016. Of this staggering figure, utility-scale solar is expected to account for 110,000 jobs, with 12,000 of these jobs projected for New Mexico.
Employment within the industry will be diverse. Accountants, electricians, construction workers, and engineers alike will benefit from the design, manufacturing, development and sale of utility-scale solar energy systems. Like other energy businesses, books need to be balanced, financing must be secured, and construction must be safe and efficient. New Mexico's workforce can supply the labor quickly and cost-effectively.
Schott's manufacturing facility will produce the components for these plants. In addition to a growing manufacturing base, New Mexico is expanding its stock of utility-scale solar power plants, too. On Sept. 1, BP Solar and EnergyNovo, of Elephant Butte announced plans to partner in developing a 160-acre, 22-megawatt, photovoltaic solar plant in Sierra County. This $130 million power plant could be operational by next year and employ 50 people during construction. Attending the announcement, U.S. Rep. Harry Teague noted, “It's clean power, it doesn't use water, and it will create good jobs for New Mexico.”
Back in June, El Paso Electric signed a power purchase agreement for the full capacity of a 92-megawatt utility-scale solar power plant to be developed in southern New Mexico by NRG Energy and eSolar.
Political and business leaders agree that the future is bright for New Mexico, but there is one crucial step left that must be taken on the federal level. Recognizing the triple-threat of global warming, foreign energy dependence, and a lagging economy, the House of Representatives already has passed a bill to address these major challenges. And thanks to New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman's leadership, the Senate has been moving similar legislation that could be debated in spring 2010. Utility-scale solar power must be a critical piece in solving the climate change puzzle.
The Solar Energy Industries Association and The Wilderness Society have been advocating for a climate and clean energy bill to be passed and sent to the president's desk for his signature because of what it could mean not only for New Mexico's economy and environment, but for the country. It is important that we continue to move forward in this effort to forge a clean energy future.
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