Pattern Energy Group LP recently announced that its SunZia Transmission and SunZia Wind projects are expected to generate a total economic benefit of $20.5 billion. This renewable energy infrastructure project is the largest in U.S. history.
SunZia Wind and Sunzia Transmission: the future of renewable energy in the Western states
It will provide access to more than 3,500 MW of New Mexico wind power, providing clean, reliable and affordable electricity in the western states. The independent study conducted by Energy, Economic & Environment Consultants LLC found that the SunZia Wind and Transmission projects provide more than $20 billion in economic impact, including more than $8 billion in direct capital investment, at no additional cost to consumers.
According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, “Clean energy is key to meeting our climate goals and building a low-carbon future, and a project like this that also generates billions in economic impact is clearly a win for New Mexico.”
The SunZia Wind and Transmission projects will provide an estimated direct economic benefit of more than $16 billion, including capital expenditures, operational expenses and payments to private landowners in New Mexico and Arizona.
The SunZia Transmission project alone is expected to generate nearly $1 billion in economic impact in each of the two states hosting the project, New Mexico and Arizona. This 550-mile high-voltage direct current transmission line has the capacity to carry 3,000 MW of clean, renewable energy. The SunZia Wind project, meanwhile, includes more than 3,500 MW of new wind generation located in Torrance, Lincoln and San Miguel counties, New Mexico, and will represent the largest wind project in the Western Hemisphere.
SunZia Wind and Transmission: Setting a standard of excellence for clean energy projects
Pattern Energy is committed to serving customers, protecting the environment and strengthening communities. The SunZia Wind and SunZia Transmission projects were developed with a deep commitment to local community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Projects follow environmental best practices to reduce project impacts and investigate effective habitat restoration strategies in partnership with local and state experts.
As such, the SunZia Wind and SunZia Transmission projects set a precedent for large-scale clean energy projects that not only generate clean, reliable and affordable electricity, but also provide significant economic benefits without adding costs to consumers.
The deep commitment to local community engagement and environmental stewardship sets a standard of excellence for future renewable energy infrastructure projects, and Pattern Energy’s long-term commitment to serving customers, protecting the environment and strengthening communities is commendable.
