SunZia Project: A New Era of Clean Energy for the Western U.S.

Massive Clean Energy Project Powers Up: SunZia Now Operational

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The SunZia project, spearheaded by Pattern Energy Group, has become one of the largest renewable energy ventures ever in the United States. Now fully operational, it surpasses the Hoover Dam in power generation, promising affordable and reliable energy for the western U.S.

"SunZia proves that we can still build the consequential infrastructure this country needs," said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. "We did this the right way, we did it on time and on budget – in genuine partnership with the local communities and landowners who trusted us, with the environmental stewardship this unique landscape deserves, and with the determination to see something through that many thought was too big and too complex to finish."

The project consists of a 3,650-megawatt (MW) wind farm and a 550-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line. It channels energy from New Mexico to Arizona, providing enough power for approximately one million households each year.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico highlighted the project's long journey, stating, "SunZia becoming fully operational is a milestone more than 18 years in the making and one that I've been fighting for since I first came to Congress."

Addressing the energy sector's challenges, SunZia offers a solution by combining energy generation with new interregional transmission infrastructure. Its HVDC transmission system efficiently transports electricity across vast distances, setting a precedent for future grid projects in the U.S.

Elliot Mainzer, CEO of the California Independent System Operator (ISO), pointed out, "Large-scale transmission is essential to meeting the West's growing energy needs and strengthening reliability across the grid." SunZia exemplifies the strategic investments necessary to ensure a reliable power supply.

Construction of SunZia began in September 2023, creating over 2,000 jobs at its peak and will sustain more than 100 permanent roles in New Mexico and Arizona. Over its first 30 years, the project is expected to inject over $20 billion into local economies.

Barbara Sultemeier from the Corona Landowner's Association remarked, "The benefits of this project will be felt in our communities for years to come."

This project's success underscores the capability of private industries to tackle intricate infrastructure challenges responsibly. By engaging with various stakeholders, SunZia has set a new benchmark in energy infrastructure.

"The result is historic energy infrastructure that will power millions of American homes and businesses for decades to come. This project sets a new standard for what is possible — and we intend to keep building on it," said Hunter Armistead.

About Pattern Energy

Pattern Energy, a prominent developer and operator of clean energy infrastructure, operates more than 40 facilities across North America. For more details, visit www.patternenergy.com.

Media Contact

[email protected]

Partner Quotes

Ava Community Energy: Howard Chang, CEO, emphasized how SunZia's addition to their portfolio marks a significant step toward providing clean energy in California.

Blattner Energy: President Brett Beatty praised the workforce's dedication in building the SunZia Wind project.

Central Coast Community Energy: CEO Robert M Shaw highlighted the project's role in providing stability to California's Central Coast energy supply.

Clean Power Alliance: CEO Ted Bardacke expressed pride in being SunZia's first major customer in California.

CleanPowerSF: SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera noted the project's contribution to San Francisco's clean energy efforts.

GE Vernova: David Hardy of GE Vernova lauded the project's impact on the American renewable energy landscape.

HASI: Susan Nickey commended Pattern Energy for bringing the SunZia project to completion.

Hitachi Energy: Andreas Berthou shared enthusiasm about the HVDC technology powering SunZia's efficiency.

New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA): Chairman Bob Busch celebrated this historical investment in energy infrastructure.

Nuveen: Don Dimitrievich highlighted Nuveen's contribution as a critical capital partner in the SunZia project.

Quanta Services Inc.: Karl Studer emphasized the collective effort in realizing the SunZia project.

Riverside Public Utilities: Dr. Scott Lesch expressed excitement about joining SunZia's energy initiative.

University of California: Nathan Brostrom, Executive VP, commended the project's contribution to the UC system's clean electricity goals.

Ulteig: Doug Jaeger expressed pride in the partnership with Pattern Energy on SunZia.

Vestas: Laura Beane highlighted SunZia as a landmark moment for American energy and partnership.