When it comes to U.S. transmission projects, The more than 500-mile high-voltage, bi-directional transmission line SunZia project between central New Mexico and southern Arizona has represented both the potential of modern transmission and the lengthy amount of time needed to get one of these projects across the finish line.Â
The 3-gigawatt transmission project, which runs through federal, state, and private lands was initially proposed in the early 2000s and has had to go through lengthy environmental reviews and public engagement. The project has not yet begun construction. However, the project is making headlines this week after the San Francisco-based energy developer Pattern announced it was buying the project from SouthWestern Power Group. The details of the purchase were not disclosed, but Pattern is also taking over the 3-gigawatt wind energy project in New Mexico, filling out the transmission line's carrying capacity.Â
In a statement released on July 18, Pattern CEO Mike Garland said the total investment in the wind and transmission project is about $8 billion, which he claimed makes it the largest renewable energy infrastructure project in U.S. history.Â
The project will begin construction next year. The transmission line is expected to be operational by 2025, with the wind farm to deliver energy by 2026.Â