New Mexico Tech will launch a Consortium for Energy Sustainability and Advancement Management (CESAM) with a kickoff workshop on Nov. 7-8, 2024, in the Fidel Center on the NMT campus. N.M. State Rep. Meredith A. Dixon (D-20), N.M. Environment Dept. Secretary James C. Kenney, and N.M. Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Dept. Cabinet Secretary Designate Melanie A. Kenderdine will be the keynote speakers.

Areas of interest for both the consortium and the workshop include sustainable energy; solar, wind, and energy storage and distribution; subsurface energy and storage; carbon management; the role of water in energy; integrated energy systems; energy justice; mining innovations and challenges; outreach and community engagement; and education and workforce development, among others. The workshop will offer interactive sessions, expert speakers, networking opportunities, and a poster session. More than 100 representatives from New Mexico universities, national laboratories, and state energy partnerships will participate in the workshop.

“New Mexico has already established itself as a sustainable energy leader thanks to our ambitious climate policies, potential for renewables, and innovative research and development,” said Rep. Dixon. “By bringing together statewide stakeholders and leveraging the expertise of our renowned research and educational institutions, events like this are key to driving forward a strong, sustainable energy future.”

 
The workshop doubles as the inception of CESAM, which is establishing a community-centered research group to harness New Mexico’s expertise and energy resources. Its objective is to gather New Mexico universities, national laboratories, and other stakeholders, such as utilities, industries, NGOs, and government entities, to advance collaborative and interdisciplinary energy research, education, and outreach in oil, gas, geothermal energy, renewables, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, batteries, critical minerals, and the role of water in energy systems.

 

CESAM’s debut workshop “will bring together experts, researchers, and stakeholders from across New Mexico for meaningful discussions on collaborative energy research, education, and outreach,” said NMT Vice President of Research and Economic Development Dr. Michael Doyle. “With interactive sessions, insightful talks from expert speakers, networking opportunities, and a poster session, it’s the perfect setting to explore how we can strengthen partnerships in sustainable energy R&D and education. I look forward to contributing to this important initiative and helping build a more connected and innovative energy future for New Mexico.”

Jean-Lucien Fonquergne, Research Associate Outreach and Industrial Services at NMT’s Petroleum Recovery Research Center and CESAM initiator and workshop organizer, added, “This gathering marks what we hope is just the beginning of a lasting, impactful collaboration for sustainable energy in New Mexico. By connecting energy leaders from research, government, education, and outreach, we’re creating a strong foundation to advance sustainable energy solutions across New Mexico. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors: the New Mexico Consortium and U.S. Dept. of Energy, as well as to Dr. Mike Doyle, New Mexico Tech staff and faculty, and the dedicated students who helped make this possible.” 

To register for the CESAM workshop, click here.