College Launches Solar Energy Research Park
Northern New Mexico College, Espanola, New Mexico has launched an initiative to establish a dynamic Solar Energy Research Park and Academy (SERPA). Its current funding request of $9,000,000 has been introduced in an appropriations bill this legislative session (House Bill 146) and is sponsored by Speaker of The House Representative Ben Lujan. The bill has passed unanimously through the House Education Committee and now has moved on to the House Appropriations Committee.
With adequate funding The Solar Energy Research Park and Academy (SERPA) will;
Be a center in Northern New Mexico for advanced research of solar energy, with a particular emphasis on energy storage research, drawing from some of world’s best available minds in energy and physics just 20 miles away in Los Alamos. Without serious research in market-ready efficient technologies, renewable energy, especially critically important solar energy, will remain underdeveloped.
Provide cost effective research and testing for innovations and products that are being developed for the marketplace.
Provide affordable training and education in high wage in-demand green collar jobs for young people.
Provide an advanced re-training center for those in the science, technology, and engineering workforce who may have recently been laid off or are facing job uncertainty as Los Alamos National Laboratories (LANL) downsizes and redefines its mission.
Retain critical LANL science and technology brain-power in energy and energy storage who will otherwise relocate elsewhere. The loss of such of talent would prove disastrous not only for Northern New Mexico and the region but all of New Mexico because we would loose the best minds in science and technology for the all important new energy economy.
Be an immediate and effective calibrated positive response to the negative economic impact of such wide spread job cuts by attracting start-up, mid-sized, and large-scale solar industries to New Mexico.
Expedite the implementation of clean renewable energy generation and distribution at a significant scale as geo-political tensions rise over increased demand for dwindling supplies of oil and gas, thus securing energy independence for our nation.
Accelerate the development of non-carbon emitting and safe energy sources and technologies.
In addition to technical research and training, SERPA will also provide research and education in energy policy and regulation.
Be a beacon of determination and hope in a part of New Mexico that is lagging behind in economic development in comparison to other regions of our state. No significant large-scale state economic development and job creation project with a decent economic multiplier / accelerator effect, has been established in Espanola Valley in many, many years. SERPA would radically transform the economy of Northern New Mexico.
Be a resounding signal to the rest of the country, and the world, that ALL of New Mexico is open for business in the new clean green economy.
With over 340 clear sunny days per year in New Mexico, developing our academic prowess in solar energy and energy storage and attracting solar industries is a mission whose time has come. All of us have a stake in this. We owe it to our children and generations to come to make the right decision. Let’s go solar….at a scale and scope that REALLY matters!
A community coalition has been formed to rally support and enthusiasm for this initiative which is the central component to a larger vision for the economic revitalization of Espanola.
For more information about SERPA, please contact:
Dr. Jose Griego, President, Northern New Mexico College
(505) 747-2140
Dr. Andres Salazar, Department Chair of Science and Technology NNMC
(505) 747-2266 Ext # 266
Miro Kovacevich, MBA, Downtown Action Team Espanola
(505) 217-8765
Matthew Ellis, Santa Fe Green Business Network
(505) 577-3902
Mayor Joseeph Maestas
josephm@valornet.com
(505) 470-3487
The Bill’s status appears here.
