EMNRD News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) has launched the first of three phases of a major project to develop the state’s first Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy, or CETS.

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology has been selected to lead the first phase, which was announced at a workshop involving high-level energy and environmental experts from government, business and non-profit organizations.

“The CETS will address the ongoing need to provide all New Mexicans with affordable energy in the near, mid- and long-term,” said Travis Kellerman, senior climate policy advisor to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This phase of the project, coupled with the two subsequent phases supported by an appropriation from the state legislature, will provide a detailed roadmap that will reinforce New Mexico’s position as a national and global leader in the energy transition.”

Phase I will start with consolidating and analyzing existing policies, rules, laws, regulations and studies from multiple state agencies that make up the state’s energy ecosystem. This baseline work will identify key, successful legislative and executive acts in the last seven years and what elements have contributed to their success. The baseline will consider policy recommendations that were made but not implemented and what contributions, if any, these could make to a successful transition. Phase I will assess gaps in current policies and how they could be addressed to meet key goals of energy security, energy jobs, tribal issues and concerns, and clean energy and affordable energy.

More specifically, phase I baseline analysis will ID key opportunities & challenges related to:

• Mapping of locations of various subsurface energy resources in New Mexico, such as geothermal energy and geologic hydrogen.
• Tribal needs and equities.
• Assessing the range of subsurface uses, including energy storage and carbon sequestration, to ensure their integrity and separation.
• Evaluating the developmental status of innovative energy technologies essential to the energy transition.
• Identifying the location, availability, and development challenges of critical minerals required for energy production and distribution.
• Developing a virtual, real-time emissions reporting and verification platform/database that reflects on the ground oil and gas operations.
• Analyzing Scope 2 and 3 emissions (indirect emissions from the use of electricity, heat or steam supplied by others, and supply chain emissions).

Additionally, the phase I analysis will evaluate current availability of relevant data, highlight critical data gaps, and establish a robust strategy for data collection to inform long-term energy and climate policy planning in New Mexico

“Building on a strong foundation laid by Gov. Lujan Grisham, the Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy will provide a cross-cutting, analytically based roadmap for meeting the state’s energy needs,” EMNRD Sec. Melanie Kenderdine said. “New Mexico has large conventional and renewable energy resources. This roadmap will help ensure that New Mexicans have clean, affordable and reliable energy now and in the future.”   

After completion of the project’s three phases—which will include deep-dive analyses of a range of options identified in phase 1 baselining, stakeholder outreach and workshops focused on regional issues—the final Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy will provide specific recommendations that will enable and include:

• An integrated view of short-, intermediate-, and long-term objectives for state energy policy.
• Strong analytical bases to inform policies and decision-makers.
• Legislative proposals/needs/actions to inform state legislators.
• Resource requirements for RD&D and incentive programs.
• Interregional and cross-border engagement, opportunities and needs.

More than 50 high-level participants attended the workshop announcing the winner of the award for phase one of CETS. These included Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar, president of New Mexico Tech, Ernest Moniz, the 13th US Secretary of Energy, Travis Kellerman, senior climate policy advisor to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and a range of stakeholders with equities in the state’s energy future.

Key quotes from some of the workshop participants and their affiliations follow. 

“The energy transition presents incredible opportunities and challenges for New Mexico. The CETS initiative will provide policymakers with the clarity we need to understand where we are and where we still need to go, as we work to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions and unlock our state’s potential to become a global leader in clean and advanced energy technology. I applaud Secretary Melanie Kenderdine for her steadfast leadership and EMNRD for this data-driven approach to advancing our transition to clean energy.” – Rep. Meredith Dixon, NM District 20

“New Mexico Tech has a long-standing tradition of collaborating closely with both state agencies and private industry to address complex energy issues. We’re proud to be part of this crucial effort to shape New Mexico’s energy future. Our primary role is ensuring policymakers have access to objective, science-based data, empowering them to make informed, practical decisions that benefit our communities, economy, and environment.” – Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar, president of New Mexico Tech

“At the U.S. Department of Energy, we led the administration’s Quadrennial Energy Review, and I applaud New Mexico and Governor Lujan Grisham for adapting the QER’s integrated analytical approach to the state’s energy future. I expect that many other states will follow.” – Ernest J. Moniz, Founder and CEO, EFI Foundation

“Tribal communities in New Mexico need reliable and affordable energy. The state’s Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy work is designed to include everyone in the process, centering inclusion and a just transition that gives pueblos a voice. I look forward to learning more about CETS and how the pueblos can access and obtain this capability.” – James Mountain, Chairman, All Pueblo Council of Governors

“New Mexico has an abundance of resources to facilitate the energy transition, from world class solar, wind, and geothermal, to national labs and universities. We must be strategic and can lead the way with comprehensive planning.” – Sanders Moore, Chief of Staff, NM Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart

“RETA is looking forward to collaborating with EMNRD on its CETS initiative.  RETA is continuing to study the transmission and storage needs of New Mexico related to the energy transition.  Our efforts and the CETS project are very complementary and will provide New Mexico with a roadmap for energy infrastructure and economic development for decades to come.” – Lynn Mostoller, Executive Director, NM Renewable Energy Transmission Authority

“The Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico (REIA-NM) believes in a just and orderly transition to a clean energy future.  A Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy is vital to getting us there and we look forward to supporting this important initiative.” – Jim DesJardins, Executive Director, NM Renewable Energy Industries Association

“Unless and until we recognize the urgency of the critical energy challenges we face, we fall behind on delivering New Mexico’s clean energy goals. This effort to develop a cross-cutting, multi-agency roadmap will be instrumental in addressing these challenges.” – Brian Condit, Executive Director, NM Building Construction & Trades Council

“Xcel Energy is pleased to take part in New Mexico’s Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy. The significance of this initiative is highlighted by the unprecedented energy demand on the Southwestern Public Service Company system, which is projected to reach up to 10 GW by the end of the decade.” – Zoe Lees, Regional VP, Regulatory Planning and Policy, Xcel Energy

“The energy transition will require thoughtful planning, investment in transmission, and coordination with surrounding states. New Mexico’s Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy will help shape this strategy and drive our state forward.” – Rikki Seguin, Executive Director, Interwest Energy Alliance

“New Mexico ranks 3rd in U.S. copper production. That places our state at the forefront of producing the copper essential to energy production, economic growth and the energy transition in New Mexico, the US and key regions in the world. Freeport McMoran is committed to sharing its experience and policy and technology needs going forward as part of this important effort.” – Laura Phelps, Social Performance Manager, Freeport McMoran

“Geothermal energy offers New Mexico a unique path to 24/7 clean power. In order to manifest this opportunity, TLS Geothermics is pioneering the next generation of exploration—using precision tools that avoid sensitive areas, including cherished hot springs—to responsibly unlock this resource statewide. The Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy is bringing together bold leadership and an integrated framework to build a resilient, low-carbon economy that helps brighten the future for all New Mexicans.” -Bruce Kohrn, Chief Business Development Office, TLS Geothermics

“New Mexico stands at a pivotal moment in its energy future. NMOGA member companies believe a comprehensive energy strategy—one that includes traditional oil and gas alongside renewables, nuclear, and emerging technologies—is essential to ensuring economic stability, energy security, and environmental progress. Our state’s energy sector provides nearly half of the General Fund revenue, supporting schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. We must continue to lead with innovation, collaboration, and a balanced approach that reflects the diverse needs of our communities and the realities of a global energy transition.” – Missi Currier, President and CEO, New Mexico Oil and Gas Association

“Urenco USA (UUSA) welcomes the New Mexico Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy.  Since 2010, UUSA’s enrichment facility in Lea County has supported clean energy generation throughout the United States and investment and jobs in New Mexico. UUSA is committed to meeting the fuel needs of the current and next generation of nuclear reactors, and we look forward to working with the state to ensure the expanded availability of clean energy.” – Jennifer Dunn, Urenco USA