UPHAM, NM – In a groundbreaking new approach at utilizing renewable energy, the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) is working with the Sierra Electric Cooperative to jointly develop renewable energy sources for Spaceport America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, which is planned for southern New Mexico. The NMSA and Sierra Electric are developing a Cooperation Agreement that will pursue renewable energy companies for the purpose of establishing research and develop, as well as power generation activities, in Sierra County.

“By creating the first facility of its kind, we can also look at creating new solutions to how we impact our energy resources and environment,” said NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene. “The spaceport has been designed to have minimal carbon requirements and low energy needs in order to get LEED Platinum accreditation. By using renewable energy sources, we can make the spaceport as environmentally responsible as possible.”

Working together with Sierra Electric, the NMSA will develop a strategy, value proposition and marketing plan to attract renewable energy companies, and seek funding sources to attract those companies to Sierra County. It is envisioned that Sierra Electric will manage the operation and maintenance of the renewable energy generation.

Landeene is excited by the prospect of supplying Spaceport America’s energy as well as serving the Sierra Electric Members in Sierra County through the development and use of re-newable energy. “Working together with URS Corporation and Foster + Partners in creating the design of the spaceport, we continue to find and develop ways to minimize our impact on the environment,” he said. “For example, the low-lying elevation and east-facing direction of the main hangar facility is designed to take advantage of the soil’s thermal mass, and orienting the building to minimize energy consumption.” By working together with Sierra Electric, Landeene hopes to reduce or eliminate Spaceport America’s reliance on non-renewable energy resources.

While the architectural design has already been done for Spaceport America, construction can begin once the NMSA receives their site operator’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with completion currently planned for 2010. With continuing positive community support and the addition of renewable power generation with Sierra Electric, Spaceport America holds great promise for New Mexico’s economic future as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.

For images of Spaceport America go to: www. spaceportamerica.com(For additional information, contact David Wilson @ Wilson Binkley Advertising & Marketing - 575-524-8118)