Global oil and gas giant Shell had planned to buy renewable electricity from a wind farm in New Mexico through a deal that also included the University of California.
Pattern Energy’s SunZia Wind project will generate approximately 3,500 megawatts of wind energy in south central New Mexico and was scheduled to be built by 2026.
The turbines are located in Lincoln, Torrance and San Miguel counties and will be connected to the western market via the Sanzia transmission line under construction with a capacity of 525 kilovolts, 550 miles to Arizona.
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The producer said it has entered into long-term power purchase agreements with Shell Energy North America and the University of California Board of Trustees for some of the energy generated at the facility.
This follows Shell’s recent plans to increase its renewable power output after launching its home power brand, Shell Energy, in the U.S. last year, initially offering 100% renewable energy plans to customers in Texas. It’s part of
The effort marks a transition for the British multinational oil major, which drills for shale oil and gas in Canada and Argentina in the Americas, with the sale of its Permian Basin assets to ConocoPhillips in 2021. .
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“We are excited to enter the residential power market and to offer a range of 100 percent renewable power plans to our customers across the state,” said Glenn Wright, Vice President of Renewable Energy Solutions. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Shell reported that it will “more than double” its solar and wind power generation in 2022 compared to 2022, bringing its total capacity to 6.4 gigawatts. It also reported that while two-thirds of the company’s capital spending remains in oil and gas, emissions have been cut by 30 gigawatts. Percent compared to 2016 levels.
“Shell is widely recognized for its leadership in developing and delivering low-carbon solutions for commercial customers,” Wright said. “Now, backed by our extensive energy trading and marketing expertise, we are now able to offer new products to residential customers seeking sustainable and innovative energy plans for their homes.”
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David Phillips, vice president for capital programs at the University of California, said the agreement to purchase wind energy from Pattern, located in New Mexico, followed the university’s first solar contract signed in 2015.
He said the university’s interest in using renewable energy is aimed at reducing pollution.
“This wind contract represents another milestone for the University of California,” Phillips said. “Eight years ago we signed our first solar PV scale deal, and today we are adding another key renewable resource to our portfolio: wind power.
“The university is thrilled to participate in such an important renewable project that will reduce carbon emissions and increase the resilience of California’s power grid.”
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Mr Pattern touted a “deep commitment” to local communities around the Sandia project, claiming it would restore “thousands of acres” of nearby wildlife habitat and invest in conservation research.
According to a study by research firm Energy, Economics and Environmental Consultants, these projects are expected to bring capital investment to the region of $8 billion and a total economic impact of $20.5 billion.
According to the study, this includes $1.3 billion in financial impact to local governments, community organizations and schools through sales, use and property taxes, and community and land payments to federal and state government agencies. is said to contain
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After nearly a decade of planning, the wind farm and transmission lines were finalized through the Federal Bureau of Land Management and officials, and construction was set to begin this year.
BLM released its final environmental analysis on the power line earlier this year, stating that the route of the power line to avoid impacts on the northern muster area of the White Sands Missile Range on the way from Torrance County, New Mexico to Pinal County. pointed out that was changed.
“We welcome this exciting new relationship with Shell Energy and the University of California Regents for the supply of wind power in New Mexico,” said Pattern Chief Executive Officer Hunter Armistead. “SunZia offers access to some of the best wind power in the world, with a strong power generation profile with an evening peak that perfectly complements daytime solar power.
He said Pattern will continue to seek additional commitments to purchase wind energy generated in New Mexico over the next few years.
“We are committed to harnessing New Mexico’s wind power to generate clean power for three million Americans and continuing our dialogue with interested customers throughout the western region.” said Armistead.
Adrian HeddenPlease contact us at 575-628-5516.achedden@currentargus.com again@AdrianHedden on Twitter.
