Wind

Eastern New Mexico is part of the nation’s “wind corridor,” some of the most productive sources of renewable energy in the country.

Wind uses no fuel, and overall production costs are cheaper than coal (the cheapest fossil fuel). A wind farm can be built in perhaps a year (very fast for a power plant), and at a fraction of the cost of a coal- or gas-fired power plant. Wind power consumes no water, and causes no more pollution than it takes to build the generators, towers and blades. The durability and efficiency of the turbines are increasing. Maintenance is cheap and predictable. And they don’t heat up planet. 

Large-scale wind farms (500MW) could generate 20,000MW in New Mexico, more than enough to met the state’s needs. (Commercial grade starts with Class 4–7 wind power, above about 400 watts per square meter). Right now, New Mexico generates less than 1,000MW — so the opportunity is great. 

Existing farms include: Clovis (2MW), San Jon (80MW), Elida (120MW), House (204MW), Santa Rosa (220MW), Gladstone (20MW), and Clayton (120MW).

Wind Potential in New Mexico

For inland wind power generation, New Mexico ranks in the top five in the nation.