Pattern Energy’s SunZia Transmission Project starts construction

Pattern Energy has started construction on its SunZia Transmission project. SunZia Transmission is a 550-mile ± 525 kV HVDC transmission line between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona with the capacity to transport 3,000 MW of clean electricity across Western states. SunZia will deliver clean power from Pattern’s SunZia Wind project, the largest wind farm in the Western Hemisphere, which will be simultaneously constructed with SunZia Transmission. Together, SunZia Wind and SunZia Transmission are the largest clean energy infrastructure project in U.S. history, Pattern Energy said.

“The SunZia Transmission Project will accelerate our nation’s transition to a clean energy economy by unlocking renewable resources, creating jobs, lowering costs, and boosting local economies,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “Through historic investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Interior Department is helping build modern, resilient climate infrastructure that protects our communities from the worsening impacts of climate change.”

“SunZia will have a massive economic impact in New Mexico, creating thousands of jobs in our rural communities, while also bringing us one huge step closer to meeting our climate goals and conserving wildlife habitat. That’s why I fought hard for this project through a whole series of obstacles, and it’s why I’m thrilled to welcome the start of construction,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “The proof is everywhere: the climate crisis is here, and it is the greatest threat we face. But solving the climate crisis by building out clean energy infrastructure like SunZia will also be the greatest economic opportunity of our lifetime.”