The SunZia Wind Project in New Mexico has begun commercial operations, becoming the largest wind farm in the United States with a total net summer generating capacity of 3,650 MW across 916 turbines. The project is more than three times larger than the next two biggest US wind farms – Alta Wind in Southern California (1,098 MW) and the Great Prairie Wind Complex in northern Texas (1,027 MW) – combined.
Pattern Energy started construction in 2023 after almost two decades of permitting and planning, and by April 2026 some turbines were already producing power during a testing phase.
Developed by Pattern Energy, construction began in 2023 following nearly two decades of permitting and planning, with some turbines already generating power during a testing phase by April 2026. The project spans three counties in New Mexico, with 242 turbines in San Miguel and Lincoln counties and 674 turbines across Lincoln and Torrance counties.
SunZia’s output will be exported primarily to Arizona and Southern California via the dedicated 550-mile SunZia Transmission Project, a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line. The development increases New Mexico’s total wind capacity to 7,647 MW, raising wind’s share to 45% of the state’s generation mix, alongside solar and natural gas at 19% each.
Beyond New Mexico, SunZia is a major contributor to western US demand centres, with 2,131 MW of transmission capacity allocated to Southern California via the Palo Verde Substation.
