Mega US Wind Project SunZia Wind Begins Operations: Pattern Energy Starts Commissioning of 3.5 GW Wind Farm in New Mexico

Münster (Germany) / San Francisco (USA) - Despite the restrictive energy policy of US President Donald Trump, the SunZia wind project in the US state of New Mexico has, according to media reports, begun feeding electricity into the grid for the first time. The move marks the start of the phased commercial commissioning of one of the largest onshore wind projects worldwide.

With 915 wind turbines and a total capacity of 3.5 GW (3,500 MW) as well as around 550 miles of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines, the project is, according to developer and owner Pattern Energy, the largest clean energy infrastructure project in US history.

The electricity generated by the wind farm is intended to be transported to the western and southwestern United States. The aim is to create a systemic link between generation and consumption regions in order to reduce existing bottlenecks in the US power grid.

Unlike many large wind projects, the start of electricity delivery has taken place largely during the ongoing construction and commissioning process, without a public ceremony or formal political event.

Pattern Energy positions SunZia as an integrated energy infrastructure project that combines generation and transmission. The company develops, builds and operates renewable energy projects and is one of the leading players in large-scale wind energy and transmission infrastructure in North America.

According to Pattern Energy, the project has already generated significant economic impacts during its development phase, including multi-billion-dollar investments, employment in the region and long-term revenues for municipalities along the route.

Full commissioning of the entire project is expected in the coming years.

Source: IWR Online, 21 Apr 2026