Albuquerque to host experts, state officials next week for energy conference

Albuquerque next week will host the third annual Building an Advanced Energy Ecosystem conference, a program aimed at bringing experts in the sector together to discuss energy through a “scientific, evidence-based lens.”

“We try to avoid ideology and partisanship,” said Rep. Meredith Dixon, D-Albuquerque. “We work closely with the national labs, our state agencies and industry partners so that we are bringing together people who know the subject matter and can speak to the subject matter.”

Running from Sept. 15-16 at Sandia Resort and Casino, the conference will feature keynote speeches from experts around the country and an “Ask the Secretary” panel with state officials: Melanie Kenderdine, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department secretary; James Kenney, Environment Department secretary; and Rob Black, Economic Development Department secretary.

“Every year, the quality of speakers (and) the quality of content has continued to improve,” Black said. “We’re really leading some of the most important conversations out of this conference.”

Attendees can hear a variety of panel discussions on topics such as powering data centers, advanced geothermal, the economics of energy and more. There will also be workshops on different subjects and, this year, a new “Chain Reaction” speed networking session where guests can directly meet with officials from state agencies, national labs and resource providers.

Dixon said organizers try to keep topics fresh and not the same as those from past conferences. Rather, they continue conversations through different angles and forms. This year, she said, organizers are focusing on nuclear fusion.

“We’re excited about it because advanced energy is a core technology sector that we believe New Mexico is uniquely positioned to be a leader in,” Black said. “Participating with the representative and through the conference helps us further our mission.”

When first elected and appointed to the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Dixon said she quickly noticed that energy questions are “always more complicated” than they seem. In her position, and not having a background in energy, she felt a better understanding of the topic was important.

Initially, when starting the program three years ago, Dixon said her goal was to have a forum in which information could be shared about new technology and updates to the advanced energy space between her colleagues and policymakers.

In a short time, she said, the conference has expanded to include startups and universities, allowing for a broader group of voices and ideas. Attendance has hovered around 300 since the beginning, but Dixon noted that each year, organizers see more experts and guests coming from outside of New Mexico.

“From companies that are looking to set up headquarters, looking to do a pilot project, this is a great opportunity for them to see what New Mexico has to offer,” Dixon said.