City of Albuquerque, AREA Win Urban Project of the Year

$1 billion fusion energy project recognized for investment, high-wage jobs

Albuquerque, NM, Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department and the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) have been recognized with the 2026 Urban Project of the Year Award for their work to bring Pacific Fusion’s $1 billion fusion energy project to Albuquerque.

The award, presented by New Mexico IDEA as part of its Economic Development Excellence Awards, recognizes economic development projects that create significant and measurable local, regional or statewide impact.

Pacific Fusion is investing $1 billion in Albuquerque and plans to create more than 200 high-wage permanent jobs as it establishes a major research and manufacturing presence in the city. The project positions Albuquerque and New Mexico to play a leading role in the rapidly emerging fusion energy industry while expanding the region’s advanced manufacturing economy.

“This award is about what happens when Albuquerque competes for the industries shaping the future and wins,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Pacific Fusion is bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs to our city. We are building on the talent, science, and technology already here to create even more opportunity for Burqueños.”

Recruiting Pacific Fusion required extensive collaboration among the City of Albuquerque, AREA, the State of New Mexico and other partners working to demonstrate the region’s ability to support the company’s growth.

“Breaking ground in New Mexico marks a new chapter for America’s fusion energy ecosystem, rooted right here in state,” said Matt Pahl, External Relations Lead at Pacific Fusion. “As fusion moves from scientific breakthrough toward commercialization, New Mexico has an opportunity to become a center of this emerging industry, capturing the jobs, expertise, manufacturing, and economic growth that come with it. We’re proud to be building that future here.”  

“Pacific Fusion represents exactly the kind of transformational economic development we are working to create in Albuquerque,” said Economic Development Director Max Gruner. “This is how we build the next generation of Albuquerque’s economy.”

New Mexico IDEA selected Pacific Fusion because of the project’s extraordinary scale and potential impact, including its $1 billion private investment, more than 200 high-wage permanent jobs and the collaboration required to position Albuquerque and New Mexico as a national center for fusion energy and advanced manufacturing.

“Pacific Fusion choosing Albuquerque demonstrates what is possible when our region works together with a clear strategy and a shared commitment to economic growth,” said President and CEO of AREA Chad Matheson. “This project brings significant investment and high-quality jobs while strengthening Albuquerque’s position in an industry with enormous long-term potential.”

The City and AREA were recognized during the 2026 Economic Development Excellence Awards Program at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development on Thursday, September 3, at Isleta Resort & Casino.

Joanie Griffin
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance
505-261-4444
jgriffin@sunny505.com