Dive Summary:
- SunZia Transmission is planning a $1.2 billion transmission project for a 500 kV power line to run through parts of New Mexico and Arizona and, on Friday, the company announced it has signed First Wind Energy as an anchor tenant.
- Boston-based First Wind has reserved 1,500 megawatts (MW) of capacity on the transmission line, allowing the company to move wind energy produced in central New Mexico to other markets.
From the article:
SunZia project manager Tom Wray says interest for transmission service from renewable generators has exceeded available capacity.
Permitting and siting of the 500-mile-long transmission line has been in the making for years. There has been debate surrounding a section that would cross White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico.