Happening Now – The Nuclear in New Mexico Conference
The United States (U.S.) is targeting a historic expansion of nuclear energy, potentially tripling or even quadrupling capacity by 2050. This is the U.S. Nuclear Renaissance that we’ve been hearing so much about. In the 1980s the U.S. was energy independent driven in large part by the strength of the rich uranium resources in New Mexico. The U.S. nuclear renaissance is therefore dependent on New Mexico.
The Grants Mineral Belt hosts the largest contiguous uranium resource in the U.S. and has already produced over 340 million pounds of uranium yet known unextracted resources exceed 400 million pounds. When you factor in the additional geologic potential estimated between 250 and 500 million pounds, the region’s remaining reserves surpasses its historic production. This underscores New Mexico’s continued strategic importance in the U.S. uranium supply chain.
Happening Now – Nuclear in New Mexico
It’s finally here! Our inaugural Nuclear in New Mexico: Fueling the U.S. Nuclear Renaissance conference. To say I am pleased to be here in New Mexico would be a gross understatement. This marks the culmination of a year and half of planning, community engagement, outreach and countless hours spent bringing what we believe to be the right people in one room at the beautiful Hyatt Tamaya Resort & Spa. Through our trade association, formed with Grants Energy, the Clean Energy Association of New Mexico, we are on the ground working to educate and provide necessary information about In-Situ Recovery (ISR) of uranium and the opportunities in New Mexico. I like to say, we are providing necessary information for good decision making.
Who’s Here?
We believe we’ve brought together an all-star roster of industry professionals, government officials, regulators, tribal representatives, companies, community members, and academic institutions for an in-depth look at the evolving role of nuclear energy in the Southwest and the opportunities it presents for New Mexico’s future. From government leaders to Department of Energy representatives and beyond, the level of engagement speaks for itself.
It’s great morning, filled with thoughtful conversation around legacy projects and the important role they continue to play in New Mexico’s energy future. We had an excellent presentation from Jon Indall, who provided a strong overview of the current federal policy landscape and how those policies are shaping the future of nuclear development and domestic uranium supply in the U.S. Jon Indall is an accomplished lawyer in the mineral space in New Mexico. He’s retired now and he’s the senior policy advisor for the Uranium Producers of America. He’s also on the Board of Directors of Verdera Energy Corp.
Just as importantly, this is not a standalone moment. This week alone, multiple events are taking place across the state, all focused on nuclear energy and its role in the national conversation. Looked at together, it’s clear: New Mexico is not on the sidelines, it is at the center of what comes next.
