Together with the Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories, the New Mexico Economic Development, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources and Environment departments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a zero-carbon hydrogen economy not only in New Mexico, but throughout the United States as a whole.
To achieve economic prosperity, reach net zero emissions by 2050, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico at least 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, the MOU leverages their respective areas of expertise to deliver timely, material, and efficient transformation of energy systems.
Domestically produced energy is needed now more than ever before. According to climate experts, there is no single solution to the world’s energy challenges, so New Mexico is developing a portfolio of clean energy solutions that includes solar, wind, and geothermal power, as well as batteries for storing excess energy and zero-carbon hydrogen for transportation. Using the MOU, these organizations can collaborate on zero-carbon hydrogen’s impact on climate change, economy, energy and the environment as well as the New Mexico workforce.
“The agreements between the State and New Mexico’s federal research laboratories prove once again that these partnerships give us a competitive advantage over other states in developing new technologies and low-carbon energy solutions,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. “These innovative advancements right here in New Mexico will benefit the planet and create incentives for new businesses to grow and relocate in the state. These are companies with skilled, high-paying jobs that want to be part of this exciting new clean-energy industry.”
“Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has set clear goals for all of us in achieving a transition to a low-carbon state,” said Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “The MOU we signed today ensures we’ll use the best science and data in powering New Mexico with clean and sustainable sources.”
“A partnership between our national labs and state agencies will ensure the rapid development and deployment of zero carbon hydrogen technologies for the private sector while shaping public sector policies,” said Environment Secretary James Kenney. “New Mexico is the epicenter of innovation in the Southwest when it comes to decarbonization efforts and this partnership will help us reach our ambitious climate goals that much sooner.”
“Los Alamos is committed to and engaged in helping find technical solutions to today’s urgent energy challenges; we also recognize that we must partner with impacted communities in delivering solutions,” said John Sarrao, deputy Laboratory director for Science, Technology and Engineering at Los Alamos National Laboratory. “We look forward to applying our scientific expertise and partnering with the state and Sandia to move together toward a sustainable, zero-carbon future for our region and our neighbors.”
“Sandia National Laboratories is excited to partner with the State of New Mexico and Los Alamos National Laboratory to forge a path to zero-carbon hydrogen,” said Andrew McIlroy, the associate labs director for Integrated Security Solutions at Sandia National Laboratories. “Sandia has long history in hydrogenmaterials interactions, hydrogen safety, emerging energy technologies and geosciences. Our experts will work with our partners to accelerate research on the production, storage and distribution of zero-carbon hydrogen for transportation, industrial and other applications.”
