WTE plant to be built in New Mexico

Mozart Devco LLC, a Dallas-based developer of clean energy infrastructure, has announced plans to construct a 10-megawatt waste-to-energy (WTE) facility on Ohkay Owingeh tribal lands in north central New Mexico. 

This project is being developed in collaboration with Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and the North Central Solid Waste Authority (NCSWA). Once operational, the facility is expected to increase baseline electricity to the regional grid by 10 percent and divert approximately 73,000 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) from the regional landfill each year, reducing aquifer toxins and air pollution in the process.  

“We are excited to lead the investment to bring the state’s first WTE transformation plant to life,” Mozart CEO Mark Rutledge says. “With the collaboration and support of our partners, this facility will be a significant driver of economic development in the region.” 

The facility will require 15 acres or less, Rutledge says, estimating the project will take between 36 and 40 months to reach its commercial operation date and will cost between $150 million and $200 million.  

Rutledge says the technology is proprietary but fully developed and commercially proven. The feedstock will be delivered to the plant by a consortium of separate and autonomous participants. The company expects advancements in technologies and a springboard of research and development (R&D) for additional plants. 

“The plant will be designed to address the growing challenges in north central New Mexico while attracting economic investment, creating jobs and providing opportunities for a region that is often overlooked by the investment community,” Rutledge says. “By diverting MSW from local landfills to the plant and generating power for the grid, we can contribute positively to the area.” 

The company says the plant is projected to save area municipalities between $3 million and $5 million annually through landfill cost abatements and improved waste management efficiencies. 

“Ohkay Owingeh is committed to being a driving force in regional development,” Ohkay Owingeh Gov. Benny Lujan says. “This project is a great example, and we are honored to be a collaborative partner with the project.” 

“With the support of our board of directors and management, NCSWA is proud to partner with Mozart Devco and Ohkay Owingeh on this transformative WTE project,” says Alex Naranjo, NCSWA chairman. “For decades, our mission has been to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve. This partnership takes that commitment to the next level—turning waste into a resource, creating local jobs and delivering cleaner air, cleaner water and a more sustainable future for Northern New Mexico.”