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Pattern Energy Completes 3,650-MW SunZia Wind Farm, 550-Mile HVDC Line

6/19/2026

Summary

Pattern Energy Completes SunZia

Pattern Energy completed and energized SunZia, a 3,650-MW wind farm with a 550-mile HVDC line.
Construction, which began in September 2023, stayed on schedule and within budget.
The wind farm will supply electricity for roughly one million homes each year and created more than 2,000 construction jobs, over 100 permanent positions.
Pattern Energy pledged $20 billion in investment and $1.3 billion in payments to governments, schools, counties and landowners over three decades.

Summary

Environmental Groups Sue

Environmental groups and the Tohono O’odham Nation have sued over SunZia, which was completed as the Trump administration slowed renewable-energy permitting and favored fossil-fuel projects.
The suit challenges the line’s passage through the San Pedro River Valley, a key wildlife corridor.
A summary-judgment motion is pending in the U.S. District Court in Arizona.
Senator Martin Heinrich said the 17-year permitting saga shows federal reform is urgently needed.

Summary

Pattern Energy Launches

Commissioning of 916 turbines in Lincoln, Torrance and San Miguel counties began April 2026, enabling commercial operation in June 2026.
Wind now supplies 45 percent of New Mexico’s electricity, raising total capacity to 7,647 MW, its largest generation source.
SunZia’s 3,650 MW makes New Mexico second in national wind capacity after Wyoming.
A 550-mile high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) line delivers power to Arizona and California, prompting Pattern Energy to expect over 150 staff to operate the facility.

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Pattern Energy Completes SunZia

Pattern Energy completed and energized SunZia, a 3,650-MW wind farm with a 550-mile HVDC line.
Construction, which began in September 2023, stayed on schedule and within budget.
The wind farm will supply electricity for roughly one million homes each year and created more than 2,000 construction jobs, over 100 permanent positions.
Pattern Energy pledged $20 billion in investment and $1.3 billion in payments to governments, schools, counties and landowners over three decades.

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