wiredInUSA May 2018

Project poised M A K I N G T H E NEWS

Developers of a $2 billion project to carry renewable energy from New Mexico and Arizona are awaiting approval before beginning the construction of two transmission lines. The SunZia project consists of two bi- directional extra-high voltage electric transmission lines and substations that will transport energy across the desert southwest. SunZia’s total transmission capacity has an approved rating from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council of 3,000MW for two single- circuit 500kV AC lines. SunZia submitted its application to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in March for approval of transmission line locations, and a public hearing is expected for

June 2018. Developers hope to start construction later this year, with commercial operations beginning in 2020. The project has previously aroused controversy; disputes initially arose over its proximity to a US military installation, and environmentalists have raised concerns about effects on wildlife. The proposed transmission lines would cross 520 miles (836km) of state, federal and private land in the two states. It took federal land managers about six years to review the project’s potential effects on the environment, including the rural desert landscape and historical resources.

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wiredInUSA - May 2018