Executive’s Desk: New Mexico is the center of the electron economy. Here’s why.

At Montauk Climate, we build and invest in companies of consequence shaping the electron economy. The electron economy represents a monumental economic shift shaped by unprecedented energy demand driving a multi-trillion-dollar market opportunity as electricity becomes the central actor in technological progress. New Mexico is at the heart of the electron economy.

New Mexico, in fact, has always been a leading protagonist in the American innovation story. From the early days of U.S. nuclear power at Los Alamos to today’s space economy at Spaceport America, New Mexico consistently sets the pace for national technological advancement. In the electron economy transition, New Mexico will continue to serve as an epicenter of growth and innovation.

New Mexico is a sandbox for developing energy generation technologies driving our future. More than 300 days of sunshine and strong high desert winds have allowed New Mexico clean energy generators to produce 20,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 1.8 million U.S. homes for a year. As energy demand spikes, New Mexico’s generators must modernize their systems — creating a massive opportunity for innovation at scale.

With increased project development activity and hyperscalers like Meta building in the state, New Mexico can consolidate its lead in the electron economy.

Even more importantly to us, the state’s gravitational pull also extends to people. We seek to build companies that tap into the world-class talent available in New Mexico, and we believe New Mexico is becoming the ideal place to live and work for top energy talent.

An oft-quoted statistic is that New Mexico has the highest Ph.D. per-capita count in the country. Reading between the lines on that statistic uncovers what drives New Mexico’s gravitational force on talent. New Mexico’s strengths of nature, culture and family draw top talent to the Land of Enchantment. A critical mass of innovators advancing our energy systems already call New Mexico home — Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory alone employ 35,000 technologists — and will continue to do so.

As we continue building businesses in New Mexico, we also plan to increase its gravitational pull for out-of-state talent as well. There is a universe of prospective New Mexicans who are waiting for the right opportunity to apply their talents, and there are former New Mexicans who have left the state to seek opportunities elsewhere. I see our work as essential in bringing all of these folks home to New Mexico, where we hope they’ll stay.

New Mexico has the resources, talent and spirit to lead the electron economy. Realizing the state’s full potential will require investment, collaboration and a shared belief in what’s possible. At Montauk Climate, we’re committed to doing our part by building companies that create jobs for top innovators and revolutionize energy systems in New Mexico and beyond.

The electron economy is taking shape. Let’s make sure New Mexico stays at its center.