|
|
Taos County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Chat: Newsletter: 1/15/25 |
|
|
|
Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Awarded $231 Million for Construction of 104 MW of Renewable Energy Generation from Hydrogen and Solar Facilities with Battery Energy Storage Systems in Northern New Mexico
Funding Awarded by US Department of Agriculture Empowering Rural America Program
Taos, NM - January 13, 2025 - Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) has received $231 million in investment funding for green hydrogen-driven power generation. The new renewable energy facility will enhance power distribution system resiliency for the entire KCEC service area.
About the New Era Investment's Expected Impact for KCEC · Funds a project that will generate 104 MW of energy from 100% renewable resources and provide a solution for long-duration energy storage · New power generation and storage facilities expected to power approximately 25,000 homes · Construction expected to generate roughly $298 million in economic benefits for rural communities served by KCEC and create up to 350 local jobs during construction · Clean energy project aims to reduce climate pollution by nearly 98,000 tons each year, equivalent to over 20,700 gasoline-powered vehicles annually This project will serve as a direct economic driver for KCEC's communities and the Native American tribes within its service territory · Total tax revenue impact exceeding $44 million over the next five years
This latest RUS grant will support the already announced KCEC Questa Green Hydrogen Project.
The project components include using solar generation to power green hydrogen facilities, leveraging repurposed wastewater from a former mining site and creating long-duration energy storage technology that can last up to 16 hours. The new power generation and storage facilities will transform KCEC's energy infrastructure, significantly enhancing system resilience and reliability. The project is also believed to be the first end-to-end clean powered green hydrogen production plant in the U.S.
"This USDA RUS announcement awarding KCEC $231 million in funding is among the most significant milestones in the coop's history. This financial award will bring to fruition the first green hydrogen project of this type done by an electric cooperative in the nation," said KCEC Board Chairman Bobby Ortega. "The KCEC Board and CEO have an innovative vision for the coop's future while delivering affordable, reliable clean energy to our members today and well into the future. This New ERA funded project not only allows us to achieve this but also will bring the economic opportunities needed in the Village of Questa, NM and surrounding communities."
"We are thrilled and extend our gratitude to the USDA for granting this opportunity to our rural electric cooperative in northern New Mexico. This will be a game-changer for KCEC, ensuring a reliable power supply even during challenging conditions and allowing first responders and the community to access life-saving power during emergencies such as wildfires or extreme natural disasters," said KCEC CEO Luis A. Reyes Jr.
KCEC has worked methodically on its energy transition strategy for the past decade. In 2016, the KCEC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to aim for 100% daytime solar by 2022 while lowering and stabilizing electric rates to its members. Both goals have been achieved as part of KCEC's partnership with wholesale power provider Guzman Energy. The partnership between the coop and Guzman Energy provides KCEC with the flexibility to undertake projects of the magnitude of the Questa green hydrogen project. Guzman Energy and KCEC continue to work together on KCEC's plans for a resilient, distributed, next-generation power system. Currently, KCEC operates 42 MW of distributed solar resources and 16.25 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across its service territory.
The State of New Mexico developed an Energy Transition Act (ETA) to position New Mexico as a national leader in clean energy. KCEC has been actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio to meet ETA requirements ahead of scheduled deadlines. Upon completion of the KCEC Questa Green Hydrogen project, KCEC will have substantially expanded its renewable energy footprint, making it one of the cleanest cooperatives in America and creating a clean energy transition blueprint for others to follow.
About Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Formed in 1944, Kit Carson is a member owned electric distribution cooperative in northern New Mexico and is the second largest cooperative in the state. Kit Carson is one of 16 electric cooperatives that serve rural New Mexico communities, serving nearly 30,000 members in Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties. To learn more about Kit Carson, visit www.kitcarson.com. |
|
|
Hello Taos County Chamber members,
Could you please help me spread the word about this Community Health Needs Survey? It is so important to have many voices heard in this effort so that we can respond effectively to the needs of our community members.
Your health matters, and we want to hear from you! Holy Cross Medical Center is on a mission to better understand our community's health needs.
We invite you to participate in a short survey that will help us identify the challenges you face and the health resources our community needs. Your insights are crucial for shaping future healthcare services and programs in our area!
It's quick?less than 10 minutes! The survey is open until January 31st.
Click here to share your voice:
Thank you for participating by filling out the survey and sharing the link with those you serve. I have paper copies in English and Spanish. Please let me know if you would like me to deliver some to your agency. I have also attached a flyer here with a QR code to access the survey. It would be very helpful if you could hang one in your organization. I am happy to deliver printed surveys to your organization, too. Just let me know!
I am appreciative of your help in making this survey initiative a success!
With gratitude,
Jeannie
Jeannie Ross, MS | Director, Community Health Services | JRoss@taoshospital.org | 575-737-3374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taos County Chamber of Commerce
Thank you for being a member of the business and nonprofit community! Do you have an event, news or a job opening in your business that you want to share with the community? Please email your JPG flyer to lindsey@taoschamber.com. Need HELP: Call 575-751-8800 or email evelyn@taoschamber.com Pay it forward! & Referrals: Member - Taos County Chamber of Commerce, NM Do you have a training for the chamber membership? Contact us: lindsey@taoschamber.com, evelyn@taoschamber.com
|
