en.Wedoany.com Reported - Pattern Energy Group announced on Friday that its SunZia project has achieved full commercial operation. The project consists of a 3,650-megawatt wind power system and a 550-mile high-voltage direct current transmission line, with generation and transmission capacity exceeding that of the Hoover Dam, making it one of the largest renewable energy infrastructure projects in the United States in recent years.
The project integrates wind power facilities located in Torrance County and Lincoln County, New Mexico, with a high-voltage direct current transmission line extending to a converter station in Pinal County, Arizona. The converter station converts alternating current to direct current for long-distance transmission at both ends of the line, then converts it back to alternating current before the electricity enters the regional grid. The company stated that this transmission system is one of the first large-scale high-voltage direct current transmission systems built in the United States in recent decades. At full capacity, SunZia is expected to provide electricity for approximately one million households annually.
Pattern Energy CEO Hunter Armistead said that after more than 18 years of planning, permitting, and construction, the project has been completed on schedule and within budget. Armistead stated: "The SunZia project proves that we can still build the critical infrastructure this country needs." He also noted that the project was advanced in collaboration with local communities, landowners, and government agencies.
Construction of the project began in September 2023, employing over 2,000 workers at its peak and creating more than 100 permanent operational jobs in New Mexico and Arizona. The developer estimates that the facility will bring over $20 billion in investment to the economies of both states over its first 30 years of operation, including approximately $1.3 billion in payments to local governments, school districts, counties, and private landowners.
During construction, work was required in remote and environmentally sensitive areas. Under environmental agreements, mature saguaro cacti and large agave plants were relocated, and due to limited ground access in some areas, many transmission towers were installed using helicopter lifts.
Senator Martin Heinrich stated that the project is the culmination of more than 18 years of development and legislative support. "Today, New Mexico is home to one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in the Western Hemisphere."
Elliot Mainzer, President and CEO of the California Independent System Operator, noted that the Western region needs to increase long-distance transmission capacity to meet growing electricity demand. He said that projects like SunZia improve power transmission between states, enhancing the reliability and flexibility of the regional grid.
Pattern Energy stated that the fully contracted project is now delivering electricity to customers in the Western transmission network and is expected to have a service life of at least 30 years.
