EDD News:
The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has finalized awards from the Energy Transition Economic Development Assistance Fund to four projects that will diversify the economy and create jobs unrelated to fossil fuel development or use.
Background
The 2019 Energy Transition Act (ETA) established a statewide target for investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives to achieve 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 80 percent by 2040, with accompanying targets for utilities and co-ops to reach zero-carbon resources by 2045 and 2050, respectively. The ETA also provided financial mechanisms to ease the impact of coal plant closures, creating a fund to provide workforce training and economic relief to affected communities—defined by the ETA as any community in a county that is within 100 miles of a qualifying facility closure—particularly the San Juan Generating Station.
Awards
The 2023 Legislature allocated $5.9 million to EDD for economic development opportunities unrelated to fossil fuel development or use and today’s awards are part of that effort. The finalists were selected out of 15 submissions as part of an RFP process that was announced March 1, 2024. The evaluation committee was comprised of experts in economic development, renewable energy, climate change, and social equity, with representatives from state agencies and an Indigenous-led nonprofit. The evaluation process included Tribal consultation and strong collaboration between EDD and the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD).
“Ultimately, the final awards honor the objectives and intent of the ETA, providing support for renewable energy projects in low-income, rural, and Indigenous communities affected by coal plant closures and creating opportunities for New Mexico-based renewable energy companies,” said Acting EDD Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper, who announced the projects at Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Cabinet in Your Community event in Farmington April 11.
Projects
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Northern New Mexico Indigenous Farmers Inc. in Shiprock – $3,638,375
The award provides the majority of funds needed to replace the Hogback Water Pumping Station and a solar-powered pumping station with microgrid and energy storage capabilities. The project is also funded in part through the Gold King Mine Spill Settlement, administered by the Office of Natural Resources Trustee, and State of New Mexico Severance Tax Bonds.
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C&E Concrete, Grants – $977,465
The grant will facilitate the development of three photovoltaic (PV) systems across C&E Concrete’s facilities in Grants with a total capacity of 245 kW. One of the key projects supported by the grant includes the installation of a storage solution for heightened power resiliency at their headquarters. This system will not only enhance the company’s operations but also serve as a cornerstone for a community disaster relief shelter, showcasing the dual benefits of infrastructure enhancement and improved community safety.
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City of Farmington, Farmington – $1,036,861
EDD has elected to make a partial award to the City of Farmington in support of its solar generation and battery storage proposal. With the addition of renewable generating and storage capacity to the Farmington Electric Utility System, the proposed project along with other grant resources will help lower the cost of electricity to all ratepayers within its system.
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Purple Adobe Lavender Farm in Abiquiú – $187,298
The award supports a project with Positive Energy Solar for the installation of three separate solar arrays located at the Purple Adobe Lavender Farm in rural Abiquiú. Combined, the three solar arrays will reduce the farm’s carbon footprint, making Purple Adobe Lavender Farm a community leader in green business practices and allowing for year-round operations.
Conclusion
This investment underscores the state’s dedication to fostering renewable energy solutions and driving economic growth, especially in regions adapting to changes in the energy sector. The low-income, rural region has significantly been impacted by the Escalante Power Plant closure.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses projects that aim to diversify the economy and create jobs unrelated to fossil fuel development or use. This aligns with SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The projects also contribute to SDG 7 by promoting affordable and clean energy through the development of renewable energy projects. Additionally, the article mentions the use of renewable energy to lower the cost of electricity, which relates to SDG 11’s goal of creating sustainable cities and communities. SDG 9 is also relevant as it emphasizes the need for resilient infrastructure and inclusive industrialization. The projects mentioned in the article contribute to climate action (SDG 13) by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating airborne emissions. Lastly, SDG 17 is relevant as it highlights the importance of partnerships for achieving the goals, which is demonstrated through collaboration between different organizations and agencies mentioned in the article.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development
The projects mentioned in the article contribute to these targets by increasing the share of renewable energy, diversifying the economy, upgrading infrastructure to make it sustainable, reducing environmental impact, integrating climate change measures into policies, and promoting partnerships for sustainable development.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix
- Number of jobs created in sectors unrelated to fossil fuel development or use
- Investment in renewable energy projects
- Reduction in reliance on fossil fuels
- Reduction in airborne emissions
- Cost reduction of electricity through renewable energy projects
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article mentions the development of renewable energy projects, creation of jobs unrelated to fossil fuel development, and reduction in reliance on fossil fuels and airborne emissions. Additionally, the article highlights the use of renewable energy to lower the cost of electricity.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation | – Number of jobs created in sectors unrelated to fossil fuel development or use |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Investment in renewable energy projects |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | – Reduction in reliance on fossil fuels – Reduction in airborne emissions – Cost reduction of electricity through renewable energy projects |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction in reliance on fossil fuels – Reduction in airborne emissions |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development | – Collaboration between organizations and agencies |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ladailypost.com
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