Just Energy Transition in New Mexico
The Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy (CETS) is a bold new initiative led by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) to create the state’s first integrated roadmap for delivering reliable, affordable, safe, and sustainable energy to all New Mexicans.
Launched in May 2025, CETS will unfold over three phases and provide a cross-cutting, analytically grounded strategy that informs near-, mid-, and long-term energy policies. It will include baseline policy analysis, regional engagement, and recommendations for legislative action, RD&D investment, and cross-sector collaboration.
For Phase I, New Mexico Tech was selected to lead the effort, in partnership with the EFI Foundation and the Climate Equity Foundation.
About the CETS Initiative
Phase I focuses on:
Consolidate and analyze existing policies, laws, and studies to build a baseline understanding of the state’s energy system.
Identification of critical data gaps, resource maps, and technological readiness for emerging energy solutions.
Designing a data-driven platform for real-time emissions tracking and policy planning.
“Our primary role is ensuring policymakers have access to objective, science-based data, empowering them to make informed, practical decisions that benefit our communities, economy, and environment.”
— Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar, President, New Mexico Tech
Why It Matters
The different phases of the CETS project will ultimately aim to:
Analyze subsurface energy and storage opportunities (geothermal, CCS)
Develop a real-time emissions tracking platform
Highlight the importance of new energy technologies
Create legislative and policy recommendations for long-term energy security
The energy transition presents incredible opportunities and challenges for New Mexico. The CETS initiative will provide policymakers with the clarity we need to understand where we are and where we still need to go.”
— Rep. Meredith Dixon, NM District 20
Together, this work lays the foundation for New Mexico’s leadership in the national and global energy transition, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy innovation are shared across communities.
Phase I Launch Workshop
On May 12, 2025, EMNRD officially launched the Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy (CETS) at a high-level workshop in Albuquerque. The event marked the start of Phase I.
Bringing together leaders from state government, tribal nations, national labs, industry, and academia, the workshop introduced the vision for CETS—a data-driven, inclusive roadmap to guide New Mexico’s energy future. Attendees explored the goals of Phase I, including baseline policy analysis, data strategy, and stakeholder engagement, laying the foundation for a just and strategic energy transition across the state.
