New Mexico Low-Temperature Geothermal Resources and Economic Development Programs

Abstract

New Mexico's low temperature geothermal resources have been utilized to promote economic development initiatives within the state. Public funds have been leveraged to foster exploration activities which have led to the establishment of several direct use projects at various sites within New Mexico. State policies have focused on attracting one business sector, the commercial greenhouse industry, to expand and/or relocate in New Mexico. Geothermal related promotional activities have begun to show success in achieving economic growth. New Mexico now has almost half of the geothermally heated greenhouse space in the nation. It is anticipated that the greenhouse sector will continue to grow within the state. Future economic development activities, also relying upon the geothermal resource base, will include vegetable dehydration and aquaculture with a focus on the micro algae sector.