Gov. Bill Richardson announced Friday that a 160-acre solar research center will be built at Belen Alexander Airport, a initiative that is expected to create dozens of temporary and full-time jobs.
Integrative Solar LLC, which installed three concentrated solar power dishes at city hall in July, will provide the infrastructure for the solar testing and research center, or STAR, and is expected to create about 80 temporary and 40 to 50 full-time jobs.
Belen Planning and Zoning Director Andrew DiCamillo said the research center will allow solar companies from across the world to bring their prototypes to the west mesa. The testing center will set energy rating standards for solar products in hopes of attracting businesses to have solar products tested.
"The industry has determined the west mesa is a prime location for renewable energy generation," DiCamillo said.
He said it is unknown when, and where, construction will start, but New Mexico Economic Department spokeswoman Toni Balzano said the time frame for construction could be in the next couple of months. 
About 60 people turned out at Belen City Hall to hear Richardson, Integrative Solar CEO Richard Scheu and Fred Mondragon, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, announce plans for solar projects in Belen.
In July, Integrative Solar installed three dishes in the parking lot at city hall after the city received $100,000 from a state grant from the governor's energy innovation fund.
The city expects to save about 46 percent, or about $20,000 a year, in electricity costs with the dishes that are about 14 feet wide and 20 feet high. The dishes have a global positioning system attached to direct them toward the sun during different times of day.
The city applied in June for another $500,000 energy efficiency and conservation block grant through the state Department of Energy Minerals and Natural Resources.
If awarded, that grant would give the Belen Community Center an energy park, complete with renewable energy sources including a photovoltaic solar unit, a wind turbine and eight concentrated solar dishes. Once built, the park is expected offer educational opportunities to students.
"It's great to be here in Belen," Richardson said. "I am glad Belen is launching New Mexico's clean energy future."
Richardson commended Belen Mayor Ronnie Torres for his leadership, and said the move will expand New Mexico's role in renewable energy.
"This is big," Richardson said. "This isn't just another announcement. It moves solar technology outside of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. There are some very vibrant communities here in Belen, and in Valencia County."
Richardson said new solar jobs will help keep future generations in the state.
"We are not just part of the solar future," Richardson said. "We are creating jobs. I'm proud that energy innovators are looking at New Mexico."
In December 2008, Signet Solar Inc. announced they will build a manufacturing facility and a solar farm that is expected to create 600 jobs.
Last Updated on Friday, 11 September 2009 16:43
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