SunZia wind transmission projects to contribute USD 20.5bn to economy

Pattern Energy Group LP today quoted an independent study saying that the multi-gigawatt-scale SunZia Transmission and Wind projects in the southwestern US will generate USD 20.5 billion (EUR 18.7bn) in total economic benefit.

Through the study carried out by Energy, Economic & Environment Consultants LLC, the research firm has found that the two infrastructure projects will have an estimated direct economic impact of about USD 16.2 billion, including capital and operational expenditures, as well as payments to private landowners across New Mexico and Arizona.

In addition, there will be an indirect economic benefit of some USD 1.9 billion associated with the purchases of goods and services resulting from the expenditures, as well as an induced economic benefit of USD 1.1 billion concerning public services. The fiscal impacts are estimated at USD 1.3 billion and include direct payments to public entities.

Pattern is developing the SunZia Wind project, comprising over 3,500 MW of new wind farms in New Mexico’s Torrance, Lincoln and San Miguel Counties. The associated SunZia Transmission project, in turn, involves the construction of a 3,000-MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line stretching for 550 miles from central New Mexico to south-central Arizona.

The company expects to begin construction work on the two projects this year, once all approvals are obtained.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.913)

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!