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Geothermal Plant Now Operating in Hidalgo County

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A new geothermal plant located in southwestern New Mexico is providing electricity to PNM Resources, the state's largest utility.

The Lightning Dock plant constructed in Hidalgo County by Cyrq (serk) Energy Inc. pumps naturally hot water from deep under the ground to heat a fluid that spins turbines to produce electricity.

The slightly cooled water is then re-injected back into the aquifer.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the plant began production in late December and is generating about 4 megawatts of electricity.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department says the geothermal plant is the only one in New Mexico capable of utility-scale production.