The wind farms and transmission lines that will connect the southern New Mexico wind farms and transmission lines to the Arizona and potentially California energy markets will create a combined economic impact of up to $20.5 billion when completed. Estimated.
Built and operated by Pattern Energy, the Sanzia Transmission Line began at the Sanzia Wind Project in Lincoln, Torrance, and San Miguel Counties, delivering generated power to substation points in Pinal County in southern Arizona, where You can go further west from
It was intended to export approximately 3,500 megawatts of New Mexico wind power from a growing sector approximately 550 miles away to high-demand urban markets outside the state.
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However, the project is also expected to benefit New Mexico and the communities in which it is located, with a direct economic impact of $16.2 billion, including capital expenditures and payments to private landowners. economic experts, according to a study published by Energy, Economic and Environment Consultants. research company.
SunZia will also bring about $1.9 billion in indirect economic benefits, including purchases of goods and services by workers and other parties, in addition to accommodations and supplies, the study read.
There could also be $1.1 billion in induced income representing benefits to public agencies such as police, fire and schools, and $1.3 billion in direct payments to public agencies.
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The project itself has recorded a capital investment of $8 billion and, as reported by Pattern, claims that these costs will not be passed on to rate payers.
Pattern Energy CEO Hunter Armistead said the project will create more than 2,000 new jobs and provide renewable energy to three million customers.
He said the project was developed through collaboration with local stakeholders and environmental groups.
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“SunZia shows that by working towards a sustainable future, we can create meaningful economic value and have a lasting positive impact on our communities,” said Armistead.
“We are proud that SunZia is the result of many years of collaboration with local communities, local residents, landowners, conservation groups, wildlife organizations and federal agencies.”
The project follows a more than decade-long federal permitting process that has seen transmission line routes adjusted to avoid certain areas along the route, such as the White Sands missile launch site in south-central New Mexico. I was inside.
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But some conservationists still oppose the development, saying it could endanger the delicate wildlife corridors in the deserts of southwestern New Mexico and eastern Arizona.
Peter Else, president of the Lower San Pedro River Valley Alliance, a conservation group in Arizona, argued that the San Pedro Valley is ecologically sensitive and will be damaged by the project in 2018. A January appeal of approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission for the line’s newest route.
Else said on appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court that the commission’s decision should be reversed because it fails to consider the harm that power lines can do to the environment.
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“Now, in 2022, the ACC has approved the tearing up of the San Pedro Valley, which will allow SunZia to move New Mexico’s wind power to California on dedicated DC transmission lines that cannot be used by other utilities or generators. We will be able to transmit power to the state.”
“This court should reverse the ACC decision, clarify the law, and remind the ACC of the factors it must consider when approving transmission lines. line would never have been approved.”
For New Mexico leaders, the project has provided economic benefits and benefits to the state’s growing renewable energy sector.
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The state relies heavily on fossil fuels for energy and economic stability, but in recent years, Gov. Renewable energy has been promoted by
“New Mexico is proud to be home to the largest clean energy infrastructure project in U.S. history, and we want to realize the economic and environmental benefits that this project will bring,” said Lujan Grisham. says.
“Clean energy is key to meeting our climate goals and building a low-carbon future, and projects like this that also create billions of economic impacts are a clear win for New Mexico. ”
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, also a supporter of the project, said recent studies show that Sanjia has a “positive impact” on both meeting U.S. energy needs and the desire to reduce climate change. said.
“This report highlights the transformative power of large-scale clean energy projects like SunZia and the role of New Mexico in helping America meet its goals and energy needs,” said Heinrich. .
Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com, or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.
