Let’s Talk New Mexico, 1/30/25, 8am: The 2019 New Mexico Energy Transition Act requires utilities to make the transition from electricity produced from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, with benchmarks starting this year and growing until reaching 100% renewable in 2045.
However, with two large solar projects seeking permits, neighboring communities have voiced concerns over safety – namely over the potential for fires sparked by battery storage. While solar industry leaders say fires are rare, two battery storage facility fires erupted in California in 2023, increasing worry in New Mexico communities in proximity to the new proposed solar sites.
Are you concerned about battery storage for solar energy or the proximity of solar sites to homes, wilderness? Do you have other environmental concerns? Email letstalk@kunm.org, leave a voice message by clicking the link below, or call in live at (505) 277-5866 Thursday morning at 8.
Guests:
- Dylan Connely, Director of Commercial and Community Solar, Affordable Solar
- Jim DesJardins, Executive Director, Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico
- Joshua Mayer, Senior Manager of Project Development, AES Clean Energy
- Karen Yank, President, Turquoise Trail Regional Alliance
- Lee Zlotoff, President, Clean Energy Coalition of Santa Fe County
Related Reading:
AES's Rancho Viejo Solar Project Proposal
"Burning question: What’s the right place for a solar farm?" Searchlight New Mexico
"Expert says fires at solar energy sites like AES proposal are rare," Santa Fe New Mexican
"What are the next steps for the Diamond Tail solar project?" New Mexico Political Report
American Clean Power's "Claims vs. Facts: Energy Storage Leading on Safety"
"'Fight for our lives': Eldorado residents rally against solar project at lively hearing," Santa Fe New Mexican
"‘Horrifying’ fire at California lithium battery plant sparks calls for new clean energy rules," Los Angeles Times
New Mexico State Land Office maps for "Solar Energy Projects on State Trust Land"
