Ørsted announced on September 30, 2026, that construction has begun on Blackwater Solar, a 200 MW solar farm located in Roosevelt County, New Mexico. The project marks the company's first investment in the state. The solar farm is situated between Portales and Clovis and is expected to reach its commercial operations date in late 2027.

Construction Underway in Roosevelt County

According to the company, Blackwater Solar will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 56,000 homes annually within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory. The project is backed by a long-term power purchase agreement designed to help meet growing industrial electricity demand in New Mexico.

"Blackwater Solar marks an exciting first chapter for Ørsted in New Mexico," said Melissa Peterson, President of Americas Onshore at Ørsted. "Blackwater Solar will generate affordable, homegrown energy while creating long-term benefits for the local area. We are honored to make our first investment in the state and look forward to being a dedicated partner to the Roosevelt County community for years to come."

Domestic Supply Chain Commitment

Ørsted sourced the solar panels for Blackwater Solar from First Solar, a domestic manufacturer. The company stated that this choice supports American energy production and manufacturing alongside the project's construction.

USD 100,000 Contribution to Wetland Restoration

Alongside the construction announcement, Ørsted revealed a USD 100,000 contribution to Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV), a partnership aimed at supporting the restoration and conservation of local wetlands near the project site. Specifically, the funding will help restore wetlands near Melrose, New Mexico, and conserve an 8.8-acre playa, a natural resource the company described as important to the region's wildlife and water resources.

Eastern New Mexico is home to more than 2,100 playas, which serve as important water resources and wildlife habitat across the region, according to the announcement.

PLJV Coordinator Rich Schultheis welcomed the partnership.

"Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) is committed to working with a diverse group of partners to conserve natural resources for the benefit of both people and wildlife," Schultheis said. "We appreciate not only Ørsted's financial commitment to restoring these critical wetlands but also the shared understanding of the importance of maintaining biodiversity. It is rewarding to see Ørsted supporting bird habitat restoration and increasing the biological function of playas."

Building on a West Texas Precedent

The New Mexico conservation effort builds on Ørsted's previous partnership with PLJV in West Texas. In that earlier collaboration, the company's support helped restore more than 700 acres of playa habitat across five counties.

Economic Impact for Roosevelt County

Beyond the conservation investment, Blackwater Solar is expected to contribute nearly USD 18 million in property tax revenue to Roosevelt County over its operating life. According to Ørsted, that revenue will help support local schools, infrastructure, first responders, and other public resources.

The company described the project and its accompanying conservation investment as reflecting its approach to meeting growing electricity demand while creating lasting environmental and economic benefits in the communities where it operates.

About Ørsted's Americas Onshore Business

Ørsted's Americas Onshore business encompasses over 6 gigawatts of wind, solar, and battery storage capacity in operation across eight states. The company is one of the largest multi-technology independent power producers in the U.S., partnering with landowners and local communities to deliver affordable, reliable energy.

The business is supported by a team of approximately 250 employees and develops, constructs, and operates projects serving utilities and corporate offtakers with long-term power agreements.

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