Pattern Energy recently announced that SunZia, the largest renewable energy infrastructure project in U.S. history, is fully operational. It includes approximately 3,650 megawatts (MW) of wind generation capacity and a 550-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line.
According to Pattern Energy, SunZia can generate and deliver more power than the Hoover Dam and produce enough electricity to serve approximately one million homes annually.
This project is now providing energy to customers in the western United States. As one illustration, the additional wind generation associated with SunZia can be observed in data from the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), as highlighted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration and GridStatus.io.
Pattern Energy estimates that the project will generate more than $20 billion in economic benefits over its lifetime, supported more than 2,000 workers during peak construction, and will support more than 100 permanent operations and maintenance positions in New Mexico and Arizona. You can see an example of a current wind energy job at SunZia here.