Santa Fe, NM – Today, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) announced that they have received $25,000 from the United States Department of Energy to study nuclear power here in New Mexico. The grant comes just a year after Governor Susana Martinez unveiled her “all of the above” energy plan which promotes all sources of energy production. The energy industry is an economic driver in New Mexico and is helping our state and nation become energy independent.
Specifically, the EMNRD will study the effectiveness of a commercial small modular reactor nuclear reactor in New Mexico. These small modular reactors have a generating capacity of 300 megawatts of electricity and can be easily transported.
An EMNRD taskforce will develop study guidelines that amongst other things look at how the reactor could potentially create energy sector jobs here in New Mexico. The study will also provide an idea of whether clean, reliable nuclear power through small modular reactors should be considered as a source of energy for New Mexico in the future.
The 2015 New Mexico Energy Plan is the result of more than a year’s worth of work. The plan included input from stakeholders throughout New Mexico including community leaders, members of the public, and energy industry leaders. The plan, which can be accessed here, will be updated at regular intervals in the future, with opportunities for public input each time.