Oracle on Sept. 8 said it is seeking proposals for the development of 2 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy in New Mexico.
The request for proposals seeks projects that use solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy technologies to "generate enough energy to power economic growth through sustainable means in New Mexico. Oracle will prioritize and fund projects that can deliver energy on an accelerated timeline," it said.
“This RFP is focused on identifying projects that can deliver brand new renewable energy generation in New Mexico and support Project Jupiter’s commitment to achieve 100% carbon-free energy matching by 2031," said Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. Project Jupiter is a data center being developed in New Mexico.
The RFP is open to energy developers with projects located in New Mexico. Proposals will be evaluated based on several factors, including capacity and growth potential, expected delivery timing, project maturity, technical viability, and ability to support Oracle’s long-term energy commitments.
Oracle’s investment in new carbon-free energy generation builds on its broader commitment to responsible growth in New Mexico, including $50 million to help repair, upgrade, and improve local water systems; $360 million in direct support for schools, infrastructure, and local services; and $6.9 million for workforce development and community organizations, it said.
Oracle Announces Up to $1 Million for Research into Carbon Capture and Sequestration in New Mexico
Oracle on Sept. 8 also announced up to $1 million in funding to support research into the potential for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) at Project Jupiter and across New Mexico.
The research will examine how carbon dioxide associated with Bloom Energy fuel cells could be captured safely and efficiently, create a pathway for permanent storage, and a viable commercial model for transportation and potential industrial use.
“Oracle is focused on powering Project Jupiter responsibly and reducing its emissions over time,” said Thiagarajan. “CCS is one of the ways that we can address the emissions from fuel cells and we need that expertise to help chart a course. Our goal is to achieve 100% carbon-free energy matching for Project Jupiter by 2031 and meet New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act goals before 2045.* This research will help us rigorously evaluate how CCS could help reduce emissions and further advance our water positivity goals.”
The grant will support research by qualified academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other research partners with expertise in carbon capture, energy systems, geology, environmental policy, economics, or related fields.
Research will focus on the technical, environmental, regulatory, and economic considerations associated with CCS, including the feasibility of carbon capture at the Project Jupiter site and the potential for permanent geologic storage in New Mexico. The work is intended to produce actionable findings that can inform future decisions about CCS deployment.
