Vestas has secured a significant order from Pattern Energy to supply a major segment of its SunZia Wind project in New Mexico, USA. This order marks Vestas’ largest order in America – Vestas will supply 242 V163-4.5 M.W. turbines, the newest high-capacity factor turbines, with the first turbines set to arrive in the first quarter of 2025.
The SunZia project includes the construction of a wind farm and a new transmission line between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona. According to Pattern Energy, upon completion, the wind farm complex will provide clean power to over 3 million Americans, with an expected economic impact exceeding $20 billion.
SunZia - Project Details
After acquiring the SunZia project in July 2022, Pattern Energy has concentrated on its development and financing. In the last week of December 2023, Pattern has achieved financial close through non-recourse financing, raising approximately $11 billion USD to fund the project’s development, making it the biggest clean energy infrastructure project in the U.S. history.
The SunZia Project comprises two main components (see map below):
SunZia Wind: This segment involves wind turbines producing over 3,500 MW of new renewable power. The wind farms are situated in Torrance, Lincoln, and San Miguel Counties, New Mexico.
SunZia Transmission Line: This is a 550-mile ±525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line connecting central New Mexico to south-central Arizona. Designed with the capability to transport 3,000 MW of clean, renewable energy, it serves as a key transmission infrastructure for the project.
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SunZia project – Construction Details
According to Pattern Energy, both SunZia Wind and Transmission projects will engage over 2,000 on-site workers during construction, encompassing various roles like heavy equipment operators, electricians, labourers, and more.
The company confirmed that the project will leverage the skills of numerous top-tier suppliers and contractors in the industry, which are detailed in the table below.
Project Component | EPC Contractor | HVDC Supplier | Wind Turbine Suppliers |
Transmission Line | Quanta Infrastructure Services Group | Hitachi Energy | N/A |
Wind Project | Blattner Energy (Quanta affiliated company) | N/A | GE Vernova, Vestas |
ConstructionFront.com Notes:
- In this kind of project, typically, EPC Contractors sign a turnkey lump sum contract and are in charge of the civil and enabling works for the HVDC Supplier and Wind Turbine, which will supply and install their equipment.
- Suggested Reading: What is an EPC Contract? (Key Features, Examples, and Tips)
SunZia project – Vestas Order
Vestas’ order for the project involves supplying, delivering, and commissioning 242 V163-4.5 MW turbines, along with a multi-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement to ensure optimal asset performance.
The V163-4.5 MW turbine – shown in the video below – is based on Vestas’s successful 4 MW wind turbine platform. The design considers the local conditions and addresses transportation, installation, and operational aspects to facilitate the fast deployment of wind energy in response to rising demand. Vestas has received nearly 4.5 GW of orders for its latest technology in the USA this year, primarily in the final quarter
This marks Vestas’ first onshore order exceeding 1 GW in the U.S. market, following its recent commitment of a USD 40 million investment in domestic manufacturing of the V163-4.5 MW turbine. The company is finalizing activities to expand its two Colorado factories, including building expansions, production equipment upgrades, and plans to hire up to 1,000 local employees.
Laura Beane, President of Vestas North America, emphasized Vestas’ steadfast dedication to advancing clean energy solutions in the U.S. She highlighted the surging demand for renewable energy and Vestas’ commitment to lead this transformation.
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