On October 26, 2021, New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department’s Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECMD) announced the first project funded through their Grid Modernization Program. The Grid Modernization Program was developed through the Energy Grid Modernization Roadmap Act, passed by the State Legislature in 2020, to support upgrades to the electric grid in New Mexico, reduce carbon emissions, and to help meet the state’s goal of 100% carbon-free electricity generation by 2045.
This first demonstration project will be completed by the City of Albuquerque’s Municipal Development Department, Energy and Sustainability Management Division (ESMD) to build the Balanced Resource Acquisition and Information Network (BRAIN). BRAIN, a data center and computer platform, will look at energy storage, renewable generation, and building controls resources, and will help make the grid more efficient and resilient. Albuquerque residents will be able to see, in real-time, the city's energy performance.
BRAIN is supported by State Energy Program funds and has an expected completion date of June 30, 2022. ECMD is still reviewing proposals for additional projects from municipalities and county governments, state agencies, state universities, public schools, post-secondary education institutions, and Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos.
Review the press release for more information here.