Energy project raises questions near Los Lunas

LOS LUNAS, N.M. – A proposed $7 billion power plant near Los Lunas left some residents with more questions as they questioned whether it could support a future data center.

At a community meeting, residents said they did not get enough answers about the multibillion-dollar energy project planned about six miles west of I-25 near Los Lunas.

Developers want to build the project on a large property already zoned for an energy-generating facility. Trammell Crow Company leads the project.

“They’re saying no, they don’t have a client, but you know, you look at the size of what they’re trying to build and it’s like, that’s a power plant for a data center. You know, it’s pretty obvious,” said Kathy McCord.

McCord, a Valencia Water Watcher advocate, also questioned who would use the electricity from the project.

“Well, the electricity they’re planning on generating is not for the community. It is for whoever these mysterious clients are who also want to build out there,” said McCord.

Water questions?

McCord also said the project’s possible water demand needs more explanation.

“The water thing is they’re trying to do the same kind of thing that Facebook did, which is, well, yeah, we’re using this much water, but we’re gonna go somewhere else. We’re gonna find somebody who’s using water,” said McCord.

Village officials said the company has not asked the village for approvals or incentives at this stage because the property zoning already allows an energy-generating facility.

“Really, they have not come to the village for any approvals. They don’t need to at this point, and at this point they haven’t asked for any incentives, which also would go before mayor and council,” said Nancy Jo Gonzales.

Village officials also said they are still learning about the proposal and have limited details about what the project will ultimately look like.

“I just hope to see more transparency. We’ve learned from other projects throughout the state. The community just wants to be involved and again, be on the fair end of that bargaining spectrum,” said Katherine Gauer.

The developer declined to speak with KOB 4 on camera at the meeting but said there is a need for energy infrastructure on the vacant land. The air quality permit application is the next major step, and the New Mexico Environment Department will review it.

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