NMSU's Arrowhead Center demonstrates commitment to finding sustainable energy solutions
I remember the first time I drove past a semi-truck transporting a wind turbine blade and was struck by its scale. When viewed from afar, it is impossible to fully realize the sheer magnitude of this impressive feat of engineering. Whenever I see them, I’m reminded of the immense potential renewable and alternative energy has for New Mexico and the broader nation.
Energy, from both an economic and national security perspective, is significant. New Mexico has rich energy resources: ample sunlight to harness solar power, ideal conditions for wind capture, geothermal potential, rich sources of oil and gas. I’d be remiss to ignore our history with nuclear power. At NMSU’s Arrowhead Center, in partnership with stakeholders across the state, we realized that the path to harnessing these resources and turning them into sustainable energy solutions requires more than just natural bounty – it requires a coordinated effort of innovation, collaboration and strategic investment.
As a land-grant institution, NMSU has a mission to advance technologies while serving New Mexico communities, and Arrowhead Center’s work in renewable energy is a prime example. Inadequate infrastructure and access to development resources often leads to energy disparities in tribal and rural communities, exacerbating economic inequalities. Opportunities to address some of these challenges – while remaining sensitive to cultural values, inclusive decision-making processes and equitable distribution of benefits – are at the forefront of program design through innovative energy solutions and expedited access.
At Arrowhead, we embrace these challenges with a forward-thinking approach, leveraging and growing strong collaborations to secure the funding necessary to accelerate novel energy technologies. Our work would not be possible without the steadfast support and encouragement of partners like our national laboratories, peer organizations/institutions and clients. Startup business support, particularly for clean-tech innovators, has been accomplished through our New Mexico Clean Energy Resilience and Growth Cluster, which offers a tested blueprint for pioneering lab-to-market strategies tailored for clean energy tech. We continue to expand CERG’s capabilities and capacity, responding to commercialization and deployment challenges in real time.
Last year, we created the New Mexico Energy Independence Consortium, which was both challenging and rewarding. Bringing together more than 50 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds was not just about gathering expertise; it was about weaving a tapestry of varied insights and ambitions into a single, cohesive vision. Our objective extended beyond merely forming a group; we aimed to create a united front to position New Mexico as a leader in energy independence. It was important to me that every member, from national laboratories to industry leaders, felt valued and heard. We engaged in in-depth discussions on critical energy topics like nuclear power deployment and Small Modular Reactor technologies, how to work symbiotically with the oil and gas industry, and how to ensure we take a holistic approach to our strategies and decisions. The consortium is still intact and continues to make progress towards new energy solutions.
The impact of our work extends beyond the immediate benefits of economic development and job creation. By fostering energy innovation, we are contributing to the broader goals of combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. New Mexico’s diverse landscape and abundant natural resources make it an ideal location for renewable energy projects, and Arrowhead is committed to maximizing this potential.
As we look to the future, it is clear that our continued success will depend on maintaining and strengthening collaborations that have enabled us to build a strong foundation for energy tech development. We will continue to work closely with our partners, seek out new opportunities for regional funding and support, and remain steadfast in our commitment to address our communities’ energy needs and accelerate the technologies that can address our growing energy consumption needs.
There is a Greek proverb that has significantly impacted my career and how I approach technology commercialization: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Our efforts in energy acceleration are driving the development and commercialization of innovative technologies across all sectors, catalyzing an environment for a balanced and sustainable economy that integrates traditional, renewable and advanced energy sources. I think we can all agree that diversifying our economic base and capitalizing on the grit and resilience of New Mexicans can lead to a lasting legacy of prosperity and environmental stewardship for generations to come.
Dana Catron is deputy director of Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University. She may be reached at dderego@nmsu.edu.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: NMSU's Arrowhead Center committed to sustainable energy solutions
