Commercial operations start for 800 MW wind link in USA

Pattern Energy Group LP and the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) announced that the Western Spirit Transmission line has been energized and is fully 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 shortly after commissioning is fully completed.

The Western Spirit Transmission line is enabling the construction of Pattern Energy’s suite of Western Spirit Wind power projects, which is scheduled for completion at the end of December 2021. Totaling more than 1,050 megawatts (MW), the four wind projects that comprise Western Spirit Wind are located in Guadalupe, Lincoln and Torrance Counties in central New Mexico.