Largest renewable energy project in US breaks ground in New Mexico

CORONA, N.M. — Corona, New Mexico will become the home to the largest clean energy infrastructure project in U.S. history.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, alongside Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, spoke Friday about how Pattern Energy’s SunZia Transmission Project will impact millions of Americans.

“This project, as we all know, will carry up to 4.5 gigawatts of clean energy throughout the southwest once completed,” Haaland said.

The project will create a 550-mile transmission line that stretches from central New Mexico to central Arizona.

The goal is to transport clean, reliable, and affordable energy from New Mexico to markets in Arizona and California.

The project is looking to bring $20 billion into the economy.

“Expanding clean energy development like this one, will not only help us tackle the climate crisis but will also lower energy costs for families, create good paying jobs and boost local economies,” Haaland said.

“They’ll put more than 2000 people to work during construction and create more than 100 jobs,” said John Podesta, a senior advisor to President Joe Biden.

Lt. Governor Howie Morales says the project will help meet Biden’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.

“It’s a win-win for the state of New Mexico, not only from the environmental responsibilities, but the economic impact, and especially to meet president Biden’s call for grant in 2035,” Morales said.

The SunZia Transmission Project is expected to be completed in 2026.

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