NM to develop geothermal projects

JEMEZ PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded more than $10 million to explore geothermal energy projects in New Mexico.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman and Sen. Tom Udall say the grants will be used for four projects in Albuquerque, Jemez Pueblo and Socorro.

Udall says geothermal energy is a carbon free energy source. He says New Mexico has known and potential geothermal resources, so the state is in a good position to develop the energy and create jobs.

Jemez Pueblo will receive nearly $5 million to locate geothermal reservoirs.

Simbol Mining Corp., which has an office in Albuquerque, will get $3 million to develop technology that can extract valuable metals and compounds from geothermal fluids.

New Mexico Tech in Socorro will get nearly $2 million to construct a heating system on campus.