Pattern Energy Group and the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) announced the Western Spirit Transmission line is operational.
The 155-mile 345 kV transmission line, developed jointly by Pattern Energy and RETA, will collect up to 800 megawatts (MW) of wind power from central New Mexico and connect it to the electric grid managed by Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) near Albuquerque. PNM will acquire and operate the transmission line after commissioning is fully completed.
“Wind power has already begun flowing on the line and later this month we will complete our Western Spirit Wind projects – the largest single-phase renewable energy buildout in U.S. history – utilizing this new line and other infrastructure to bring on a full 1,050 MW of clean renewable power,” Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy, said.