Albuquerque's Path to 100% Renewable Energy: The Role of Sustainability Partners and Energy Systems Group
In a significant move towards achieving its ambitious goal of 100% renewable energy for municipal operations, Albuquerque has embarked on a partnership with Sustainability Partners (SP) and Energy Systems Group (ESG). This collaboration aims to establish approximately 6 mega-watts (MW) of solar energy across eight city facilities. The initiative is set to considerably reduce the remaining gap in meeting this renewable energy commitment.
Recently, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at two locations — the Eastside Animal Shelter and Highland Pool — marking the commencement of construction. This solar energy project not only promises to enhance the city’s sustainability efforts but also demonstrates a commitment to innovation in municipal energy management.
Sustainability Partners, a Public Benefit Company, leverages its Infrastructure as a Service® model, which enables cities to deploy renewable energy solutions without the upfront costs typically associated with such projects. "Our mission is to remove the biggest barriers public entities face when building the infrastructure their communities need, including upfront capital, selecting the right equipment, and long-term maintenance," stated Adam Cain, CEO of SP. This approach allows Albuquerque to focus on essential capital projects while pursuing its climate objectives without financial strain on taxpayers.
The array of solar installations designed by ESG includes both rooftop options and solar carports, which serve the dual purpose of generating renewable energy and providing shaded parking for city facilities. Along with the Eastside Animal Shelter and Highland Pool, similar projects are in the pipeline for sites including West Mesa Aquatic Center, Duke City BMX Park, Isotopes Park, Ken Sanchez Transit Facility, the city's 911 Call Center, and the Albuquerque International Sunport.
The project at the Albuquerque International Sunport is particularly noteworthy, incorporating 10 electric vehicle chargers and battery energy storage to cater to critical electrical needs. This integration of electric vehicle infrastructure highlights Albuquerque’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable energy, underscoring its commitment to cleaner transportation options.
Jeff Blum, CEO of Energy Systems Group, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "Albuquerque is showing what it means to lead and move with purpose toward 100% renewable energy. We’re proud to stand with the City as it builds a cleaner, brighter future for its residents.” Blum's comments reflect a broader trend where cities are increasingly looking to partners in the private sector to help execute their renewable energy visions.
This initiative marks Sustainability Partners’ first major project in collaboration with Albuquerque, following ESG’s prior endeavors to modernize the city's energy infrastructure. Construction across additional project sites will take place gradually, phasing in through 2027.
In a statement regarding this progressive approach, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller remarked, "This is a different way of thinking about clean energy. We’re utilizing every tool available to facilitate more renewable energy installations while minimizing the burden on taxpayers to build and maintain these systems."
Sustainability Partners, dedicated to addressing infrastructure needs, operates on a model akin to a utility. They offer a monthly usage fee based on a flexible month-to-month agreement, enabling them to finance, design, engineer, procure, install, and maintain essential infrastructure without requiring upfront investments from municipalities. This model promises to foster long-term relationships with clients, ensuring that infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and continuously improved.
Energy Systems Group, known for delivering performance-driven energy solutions across various sectors, adopts a comprehensive strategy for facility transformation. This collaboration is anticipated to serve as a model for other municipalities aiming for extensive renewable energy integration while ensuring efficiency and reliability.