ALBUQUERQUE — The windows on one side of a building-in-progress present a view of Sandia National Laboratories' solar thermal test tower built in the 1970s; on the other side, there's a view of Mount Taylor, an ancient volcano with potential for geothermal energy.

Those sorts of renewable resources are the focus of a memorandum of understanding signed Friday by Les Shephard, vice president of energy, security and defense technologies at Sandia, and Michael Daly, president of Mesa del Sol, a commercial and residential development taking shape on Albuquerque's southern flank.

The agreement means the federal lab and the public-private development will work to develop and promote renewable energy technology and turn it into real uses.

Mesa del Sol already includes Schott Solar and Advent Solar. The signing ceremony was held in the nearby glass, concrete and steel frame of the Aperture Center, which is still under construction but someday will serve partially as a visitors center for renewable energy.

Shephard said the partnership "is committed to pursuing and turning the promise of clean energy technology into a reality."

He envisions it accelerating clean energy technology across the nation and even having a global impact someday.

He wants to help educate the public, excite young people about the differences technology can make in their future and provide a gateway for Sandia to showcase not only renewable energy, but the impact of science and technology in contributing to national prosperity.

"Our collective desire here really is to serve as a catalyst," he said.

Daly said it's not enough to attract companies to Mesa del Sol. Rather, he said, it's important to create and demonstrate green technology.

He noted commercial buildings already operating or taking shape at the development use green energy techniques.

He said the development is competing for a 900-acre, 125-megawatt solar facility that would be only the third of its type in the nation and plans to build a 300-home demonstration project that will look at how consumers really use smart energy technology.

The ceremony also attracted federal and state dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, who will become governor when Gov. Bill Richardson is confirmed as U.S. commerce secretary early next year.

Denish said for years, New Mexico fueled the nation with oil, gas and uranium. Now, she said, the state will lead with alternative sources of energy.

"We in New Mexico ... are in a perfect position to lead the green-collar revolution that people are talking about" that will provide both jobs and renewable energy, Denish said.

"If Mesa del Sol is anything like I expect it to be, it will have solar-powered homes, businesses and everything else dotting this mesa in a few years," she said. "It will be a model for the country."

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said the agreement represents a vision as to what can be done with renewable energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency toward a stronger and more self-sustainable economy.

"I see that vision being translated into real practical applications here," he said.

Sen.-elect Tom Udall, D-N.M., said the signing celebration represents a step toward a new energy future for America and "a model for the kind of cooperation we will need to tackle the tough energy challenges."

"Today, our problem is clear. America is addicted to fossil fuel and as a result we are literally frying the earth," Udall said.

"Scientists say global warming will have the effect of virtually moving New Mexico 300 miles in the south and putting us, for purposes of climate, right in the middle of the Sonoran Desert," Udall said. "And if that happens, our way of life won't just change. It will end."




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