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      • About the Conference
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  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Advanced Energy Ecosystem
    • About the Conference
    • Sponsors
    • FAQs
    • 2026 Conference Takeaways
    • 2025 Conference Takeaways
  • Chain Reaction
  • Contact

Key Takeaways in 2026

By the Numbers

  • 450+ Attendees 
  • 68 Speakers
  • 70% Female Speakers
  • 72 Sponsors

The Themes That Defined

  • New Mexico as an Energy Leader
  • Climate Leadership coupled with Economic Development
  • Energy's Role beyond the Industry
  • Deploying Technology at Scale 

Choosing Both

New Mexico is demonstrating that climate leadership and economic development do not have to be competing priorities. The state has an opportunity to pursue both—advancing responsible energy development while supporting economic growth and innovation.

Fostering an “all of the above” energy strategy can help position New Mexico as a leader in policy, technology, and innovation. By embracing a broad approach to its energy future, the state can continue building on its strengths while creating opportunities for new technologies and industries.

Innovation as the Driver

New Mexico has many of the ingredients needed to support innovation and emerging technologies. Abundant natural resources, access to research institutions, and available capital create opportunities for new technologies and startups to develop and grow within the state.

The next energy revolution is here—and it is happening now. Technologies being developed in New Mexico have the potential to transform the energy industry into a cleaner and more sustainable sector while continuing to deliver the power needed for modern life.

New Mexico’s colleges and universities are playing an increasingly important role in advancing the state’s energy economy. At the same time, these institutions are helping cultivate the workforce needed to support the energy industry and its continued evolution.

Relationships Matter

Strong relationships between communities, industry, government, and regulators are essential to creating an energy future that benefits New Mexico as a whole. Community engagement must come first, with meaningful partnerships helping ensure that the perspectives and interests of communities are part of the conversation.

Transparency is one of the strongest foundations for building trust. Open communication and clear engagement can help create stronger relationships between communities and the industries operating within them.

The success of energy policy also depends on collaboration and trust among state regulators, government bodies, and industry. When these groups work together, they can create a stronger foundation for effective policy and long-term progress.

A Holistic Approach

Fostering New Mexico’s energy economy requires looking beyond the energy industry itself. The strength of the state’s energy economy is closely connected to the strength of the communities where companies and families live and work.

Addressing systemic issues—including poor K-12 educational outcomes, limited healthcare access, and crime—is an important part of creating communities that companies and families want to be part of. A strong energy economy requires communities that are positioned to support long-term growth.

Workforce development also begins at a young age. Partnering with K-12 education to introduce students to energy careers early can help build awareness of the opportunities available within the industry and contribute to developing the workforce needed for the future.

Looking Ahead

The goal is not simply to revisit the conversations of today, but to build upon them. The relationships formed, ideas shared, and perspectives exchanged this year are a building block for continued discussion and progress to come.

We look forward to continuing the conversation, building new connections, and bringing New Mexico’s energy leaders together again in 2027! 

Voices From The Conference

"What I loved most was the emphasis on connection and collaboration… building New Mexico’s future will take all of us."

 "It was refreshing to spend 48 hrs at a conference full of people actually solving problems together."

 "You can track New Mexico’s progress by what happens at this conference." 

" The energy and momentum this year were truly exceptional, and it continues to be one of the highlights of my year. "

 "The conference brought together the people and ideas driving energy policy, investment, and community impact in New Mexico."

 "Had an incredible time, learned so much, and connected with so many people… what a unique and fabulous event!" 

Keynote Speakers

Jigar Shah

The Honorable Mary Landrieu

Jigar Shah

Podcast Host

Open Circuit & Energy Empire

The Honorable Mary Landrieu

Jigar Shah

The Honorable Mary Landrieu

The Honorable Mary Landrieu

The Honorable Mary Landrieu

Former Senator

State of Louisiana

Melanie A. Kenderdine

Melanie A. Kenderdine

The Honorable Mary Landrieu

Principal 

EJM Associates 

Jane Woodward

Melanie A. Kenderdine

Kelly Tomblin

Managing Partner

WovenEarth Ventures

Kelly Tomblin

Melanie A. Kenderdine

Kelly Tomblin

CEO 

El Paso Electric Company 

Pat Vincent Collawn

Pat Vincent Collawn

Pat Vincent Collawn

Executive Chair

TXNM Energy 

Carrie von Muench

Pat Vincent Collawn

Pat Vincent Collawn

Co-Founder & COO 

Pacific Fusion

Lucy Darago

Pat Vincent Collawn

Lucy Darago

Chief Commercial Officer

XGS

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Travis Kellerman 

VP of Strategic Partnerships

The Standard Electron 


    PANEL DISCUSSIONS

    Quantum & AI for Energy

    The Role of Microgrids in the Energy Transition

    The Power of Women Founders

    The Power of Women Founders

    The Role of Microgrids in the Energy Transition

    The Power of Women Founders

    The Role of Microgrids in the Energy Transition

    The Role of Microgrids in the Energy Transition

    Electrons and Ambition: Fueling New Mexico's AI Infrastructure

    Electrons and Ambition: Fueling New Mexico's AI Infrastructure

    Electrons and Ambition: Fueling New Mexico's AI Infrastructure

    Electrons and Ambition: Fueling New Mexico's AI Infrastructure

    Leveraging Geothermal for Critical Mineral Extraction

    Electrons and Ambition: Fueling New Mexico's AI Infrastructure

    Leveraging Geothermal for Critical Mineral Extraction

    CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery

    Electrons and Ambition: Fueling New Mexico's AI Infrastructure

    Leveraging Geothermal for Critical Mineral Extraction

    Climate Leadership: The New Mexico Way

    Siting & Permitting Considerations for Energy Projects

    Climate Leadership: The New Mexico Way

    Innovations in Water Technology

    Siting & Permitting Considerations for Energy Projects

    Climate Leadership: The New Mexico Way

    Siting & Permitting Considerations for Energy Projects

    Siting & Permitting Considerations for Energy Projects

    Siting & Permitting Considerations for Energy Projects

    New Mexico's Value to the National and Global Market

    New Mexico's Value to the National and Global Market

    Siting & Permitting Considerations for Energy Projects

    Wildfire Mitigation Technologies

    New Mexico's Value to the National and Global Market

    Wildfire Mitigation Technologies

    WORKSHOPS

    Mega Model: Utility Business Models Game

    Implementing New Mexico’s Energy Transition: From Policy to Pilot

    Mega Model: Utility Business Models Game

    The Loop: Circular Economy Game

    Implementing New Mexico’s Energy Transition: From Policy to Pilot

    Mega Model: Utility Business Models Game

    Implementing New Mexico’s Energy Transition: From Policy to Pilot

    Implementing New Mexico’s Energy Transition: From Policy to Pilot

    Implementing New Mexico’s Energy Transition: From Policy to Pilot

    Community and Tribal Engagement Best Practices

    Unlocking the Grid: Strategies to Meet Demand Growth in New Mexico

    Implementing New Mexico’s Energy Transition: From Policy to Pilot

    Proven Strategies for Developing the Energy Workforce

    Unlocking the Grid: Strategies to Meet Demand Growth in New Mexico

    Unlocking the Grid: Strategies to Meet Demand Growth in New Mexico

    Unlocking the Grid: Strategies to Meet Demand Growth in New Mexico

    Unlocking the Grid: Strategies to Meet Demand Growth in New Mexico

    Unlocking the Grid: Strategies to Meet Demand Growth in New Mexico

    Show More

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