"Pattern Energy’s 3.5 GW SunZia Wind Project is developed at a cost of $11 billion
Located in New Mexico, SunZia combines large-scale wind generation with a dedicated high-voltage transmission system, enabling the delivery of clean electricity to major demand centers in Arizona and California.
Project Location and Overview
The SunZia Wind Project is being developed across Lincoln, Torrance, and San Miguel counties in New Mexico. Once operational, the project will supply renewable power to utilities and power purchasers across the Southwest, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based generation.
With its scale and integrated infrastructure, SunZia is positioned to become a landmark project in the U.S. renewable energy sector.
Project Cost and Financing
The SunZia Wind Project achieved financial close in 2023, securing approximately $11 billion in total investment. This makes it one of the largest renewable energy financings globally.
Financing Breakdown:
Debt Financing: Approximately $8.8 billion
Equity Investors: Pattern Energy Group and strategic partners
Lenders: A consortium of more than 15 international banks
The financing package covers both the wind power generation assets and the 550-mile SunZia Transmission Line, which is critical for evacuating power to high-demand regions.
Turbine Supply Orders
Pattern Energy has awarded turbine supply contracts to two global wind turbine manufacturers:
GE Vernova will supply 674 units of its 3.6-154 onshore wind turbines, representing around 2.4 GW of capacity. This order is the largest onshore wind turbine deal in GE’s history.
Vestas will deliver 242 units of its V163-4.5 MW turbines, contributing roughly 1.1 GW of capacity. The order also includes long-term service and performance optimisation agreements.
In total, the project will deploy nearly 916 wind turbines, delivering a combined installed capacity of around 3.5 GW.
SunZia Wind Project – Key Timeline
2008–2010: Project concept and early development initiated by Pattern Energy
2012–2015: Federal and state permitting approvals secured
2023: Project reaches financial close (~$11 billion)
2023: Turbine supply orders placed with GE Vernova and Vestas
2024: Construction begins on wind farms and transmission infrastructure
2025: Turbine installation underway; first power expected
2026: Full commercial operations targeted for the entire 3.5 GW project.
Read our detailed report on United States of America installed power capacity report,
United States of America installed power capacity 2025
Environmental and Economic Impact
Once fully operational, the SunZia Wind Project is expected to:
Supply clean electricity to more than 3 million U.S. homes
Reduce approximately 5 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually
Create thousands of construction jobs and long-term operations and maintenance roles.
