Did you know?

• The Renewable Energy Atlas of the West estimated the annual solar electricity generation potential in New Mexico to be 104 billion-kilowatt hours, which could produce enough electricity to power over 14 million homes!
• Raser Technologies began construction on the state's first commercial geothermal power plant, which will provide enough power for about 7,500 homes by early 2009.
• New Mexico has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all investor-owned utilties (IOU) to generate 20% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2020, with rural electric cooperatives generating 10% by that same year.

To submit clean energy news happening in your state, click here

Clean energy jobs in New Mexico

New Mexico is a national leader in multiple renewable energy technologies, with one of the best solar resource potential in the country. But, 85% of the state’s electricity generation currently comes from dirty coal! By investing in clean energy sources, the state could reduce its dependence on carbon-emitting fuels and create new jobs to stimulate its economy – with the solar energy industry becoming a major employer.

For example, Schott AG, an international solar energy equipment manufacturer, will employ 345 people for the construction and operation of its new Albuquerque plant in spring 2009. And with the passing of the 8-year solar investment tax credit extension, New Mexico will potentially gain 12,000 new job opportunities in the industry by 2016.

Sources: American Council on Renewable Energy, US EPA, Forbes

Featured story

If you'd like to share a story about your green energy job, please click here