September 15, 2009

Belen, NM, USA: Governor Richardson Applauds Belen's Solar Power Celebration

Belen made a leap forward in its effort to become carbon neutral with the unveiling of three solar power dishes outside City Hall. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Belen Mayor Ronnie Torres were the honored guests at a ceremony hosted by solar developer Integrative Solar.

"I applaud the City of Belen for their efforts to 'Lead by Example,'" Governor Richardson said. "As Governor, I've made becoming a leader in energy innovation a priority for New Mexico and this project is a great example of what is possible when we work together."

One of the Three Dishes Being Installed

The City of Belen, N.M., in partnership with Integrative Solar, LLC, installed three concentrated solar power (CSP) units at the Belen City Hall. The installation is the first step in a much larger 1.9 megawatt solar project to be completed once funding is secured.

"This is for our kids and their kids," said Mayor Ronnie Torres. "Governor Richardson's mandate for New Mexico to become carbon neutral has inspired us. The city has shared, since then, the passion to lead by example through pursuing funding for renewable energy and initiating green sustainable practices in all that we do."

The City Hall project was made possible by the Governor's Clean Energy Innovation Fund; along with a Clean Energy Grant that was secured through the State of New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

"Utility scale solar power is one of the fastest-emerging markets in America today," said Eric Scheu, CEO for Integrative Solar, LLC. "Solar power is a natural, sustainable solution for utilities, industries and communities that are looking for ways to balance increasing power demands against the true costs and environmental impact of importing and generating electricity from carbon-based fuel sources such as oil and coal."

Manufactured by Infinia Corporation in Kennewick, Wash., the new CSP units use parabolic mirrored dishes to concentrate the Sun's energy onto Infinia's proprietary, free-piston Stirling engines, which convert the resulting thermal energy into electricity. The units are fully automated and track the sun throughout the day to ensure maximum energy production. According to Scheu, Integrative Solar is filling the role of marrying tax incentives with government initiatives and stimulus plans, to implement renewable and sustainable power generation facilities.

"Integrative Solar is positioned to analyze, engineer, justify and generate economic tax models to assist individuals or agencies looking for solutions to meet current renewable power incentives," Scheu said.

Further details about: Integrative Solar