Project Overview

The SunZia Wind Project is a renewable energy project located in New Mexico, United States. Developed by Pattern Energy, the SunZia Wind & Transmission project spans more than 550 miles across two states to deliver renewable power to the Southwest of America.  

It comprises a 3,500 MW (3.5 GW) Wind Farm, a 550-mile, 525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line, the SunZia West DC/AC converter stations, and two 500 kV AC tie lines. The power generated will be directed from New Mexico to south-central Arizona via the 3000 MW SunZia Transmission bidirectional HVDC link. 

The wind energy complex consists of 916 turbines, 10 collection substations, 115 miles of overhead collection lines, 130 miles of 345 kV AC generation tie lines, and a main switchyard. The project is designed to supply clean energy to approximately 1 million American homes annually and to contribute an estimated USD 20.5 billion to the national economy.

SunZia Wind Project Location

The SunZia Onshore Wind Farm project is located in Central New Mexico, spanning three counties, namely, Lincoln, Torrance, and San Miguel, in the United States. 

The location was selected for its strong wind resources in the Estancia Valley, and the project is paired with the SunZia Transmission line to deliver power to markets in Arizona and California. Construction began in 2023, with operations expected by 2026.

SunZia Wind Project Map

Project background

The SunZia Wind Project combines a 3.5 GW onshore wind farm with a 550-mile HVDC transmission line, delivering clean energy from New Mexico to Arizona and California. This is the largest onshore wind project in the Western Hemisphere. 

Initially, the idea for the SunZia originated with Southwestern Power Group in 2006, aiming to connect New Mexico's abundant wind resources to high-demand markets in the western US. 

The project underwent a lengthy development timeline of over 17 years of planning, environmental studies, and regulatory reviews by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and state bodies. 

The project’s transmission line was initially intended as an AC system but evolved to a ±525kV HVDC configuration, maximizing efficiency and minimizing losses over the long east-west corridor.

Regulatory Approvals for the SunZia Project

• The Arizona Corporation Commission approved the transmission route in 2016, but the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission initially rejected it in 2018, requiring more detailed filings and assessments.
  

• Final environmental clearances and right-of-way approvals for the full corridor were achieved only in 2023. 
  

• Two major turbine orders were placed in 2023: 674 GE Vernova 3.6-154 turbines (2.4 GW) and 242 Vestas V163-4.5 MW turbines (1.1 GW), using advanced technologies to maximize output and grid integration.
  

• Construction began in late 2023, bringing thousands of jobs to New Mexico and Arizona. The commercial operation is expected by 2026.

SunZia Wind Project Ownership Details

The Sunzia Wind project is wholly owned & operated by the Pattern Energy Group LP, a privately held American renewable energy company. It oversees financing, development, construction, and operation management.

Pattern purchased the link development project from SouthWestern Power Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of MMR Group, in 2022. 

A multitude of firms, utilities, and contractors contributed to SunZia's development before ownership was transferred to Pattern Energy, an international renewable energy developer, for the final HVDC design and construction.

SunZia Wind & Transmission 

SunZia Transmission is a 550-mile bidirectional ±525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line facilitating access to the 3,500 megawatt (MW) SunZia Wind project in New Mexico, United States. It will provide up to 3,000 MW of clean, reliable, and affordable power to Arizona and the Western U.S.

The SunZia Transmission Line uses high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, which is more efficient than comparable Alternating Current (AC) technology for transmitting the same amount of power. Furthermore, HVDC is a more efficient and cost-effective technology suitable for moving large amounts of power over long distances. 

These transmission lines head from Corona, New Mexico, towards a converter station near Casa Grande, Arizona. 

SunZia Transmission Ownership

The SunZia Transmission is developed and funded by Pattern Energy. The project is partnered with the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transportation Authority (RETA) for development in New Mexico. 

Economic Benefits of SunZia Transmission 

Upon the operation, SunZia Wind & Transmission will offer a wide range of economic benefits to New Mexico & Arizona. It includes the investment of approximately USD 8 billion. 

Out of it, approximately USD 800 million will be given to the governments, communities, schools, and landowners across New Mexico and Arizona. These benefits are generated through sales and use taxes, property taxes, and land payments to federal, state, and private landowners. 

SunZia Wind Project Cost

The total estimated cost for the Sunzia Wind project is approximately USD 11 billion. It includes both SunZia Wind & SunZia Transmission. The cost covers the construction of a 3.5 GW Wind Farm and a 550-mile, 525 kV HVDC transmission line connecting New Mexico to Arizona. 

Project Timeline

Project Scope

The following is the scope of the project:

• Generation capacity: The project has a power generation capacity of 3,500 MW (3.5 GW) with approximately 916 turbines across 500,000 acres in New Mexico, enough to power approximately 1 million homes. 
  

• Wind Farm Estate: It includes 10 collection substations, 115 miles of overhead collection lines, 130 miles of 345 kV AC generation tie lines, and a switchyard.
  

• Transmission Lines: The project includes the construction of a 550-mile bidirectional ±525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line designed to transmit up to 3 GW of wind power from New Mexico to central Arizona. 
  

• Converter Stations: Installation of AC/DC conversion stations at both ends of the SunZia East in New Mexico and SunZia West in Arizona to facilitate efficient long-distance power transmission.
  

• Integration & Grid Connection: The wind farm is connected to the regional grid, supporting decarbonization and renewable energy targets across the southwestern U.S.

SunZia Wind Project Contractors

SunZia Wind Project Status

The SunZia Wind & Transmission project is in the advanced construction phase, with completion anticipated in 2026. The following is a comprehensive summary of the current status of both the wind and transmission components of SunZia. 

Wind Farm Construction Status

The construction progress is halfway done. In Wind Farm South, the 

• Civil work is completed in the South Zones 1-4. The remaining 5-7 zones are underway. 
  

• Over 43 turbines are standing fully erected at this time, with further delivery and assembly ongoing.
  

• Underground and overhead electrical construction is underway in Zones 1, 2, and 3.
  

• Most civil work in the South is anticipated to be done by Q3 2025, with turbine erection and electrical work continuing into early 2026.
  

In the Wind North, 

• Access road construction and foundation pouring continue in Wind North Zones 1 and 2. 
  

• Wind North Zone 3 achieved 100% completion of access roads and foundation pours.
  

SunZia Transmission Construction Status

• The SunZia HVDC Transmission Line has completed 100% of pad grading and foundation work along its 553-mile route.​
  

• 73% of transmission structures are assembled, and 67% are fully erected; cable stringing is ongoing.​
  

• Completion is expected by the end of 2025, enabling the delivery of renewable energy to western U.S. markets.

Benefits

The Following are the benefits of the SunZia Wind & Transmission Project.

• Boost Employment: The SunZia Wind project will create over 100 jobs upon its operation (expected by 2026). Furthermore, the project will create over 2,000 jobs during its construction phase. 
  

• Economic boost: The SunZia Wind & Transmission project is expected to generate USD 20.5 billion in total, including direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits as well as fiscal impacts.
  

• Power 1 million homes: The Wind Farm generates approximately 3,500 MW of power, enough to supply clean energy to approximately 1 million homes in the U.S.
  

• Adoption of renewable energy: Provides access to wind-rich, previously untapped regions, making renewable energy more widely adopted in the West, addressing grid congestion, and facilitating its adoption across the West.
  

• Benefit to local landowners: Direct payments and benefit funds enhance the prosperity of rural and tribal communities by supporting landowners and public agencies. 

Breakdown of USD 20.5 billion Economic Boost

Conclusion

The SunZia Wind Farm, developed by Pattern Energy, is a 3,500 MW project with 916 turbines, designed to supply up to 1 million American homes with clean power via a 550-mile 525 kV HVDC transmission line and associated infrastructure. 

Construction began in 2023 and is expected to be operational by 2026. The project is expected to create over 2,000 jobs during peak construction & over 100 permanent jobs upon operation. It also contributes to economic benefits, generating a total of USD 20.5 billion. 

It demonstrates large-scale integration of sustainable energy infrastructure by combining one of the largest wind farms in the Western Hemisphere with an extensive transmission network. Besides supporting regional energy independence, SunZia also sets a benchmark for future renewable developments in North America.

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