#United States #Ørsted #Blackwater Solar #Playa Lakes Joint Venture #Roosevelt County

Ørsted's Ambitious New Solar Farm in New Mexico

Ørsted, a leading global renewable energy company, has officially started construction on the Blackwater Solar project, a massive 200 MW solar farm located in Roosevelt County, New Mexico. This marks Ørsted's inaugural project in the state and signifies a crucial step towards fostering sustainable energy solutions. The solar farm is strategically positioned between Portales and Clovis, with plans to generate sufficient electricity to power more than 56,000 homes annually within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) area.

A Commitment to Local Energy Needs

This new solar farm is set to address the increasing electricity demand of industries in New Mexico, backed by a long-term power purchase agreement. The commitment to local manufacturing is evident as Ørsted has sourced solar panels for this project from the domestic manufacturer, First Solar, thereby supporting American energy production and job creation. The company anticipates that the solar facility will commence commercial operations by late 2027.

Melissa Peterson, President of Americas Onshore at Ørsted, expressed enthusiasm about this initiative, stating, "Blackwater Solar marks an exciting first chapter for Ørsted in New Mexico. Not only will it help meet energy demands, but it will also provide long-term benefits to the local community."

Supporting Environmental Conservation Efforts

In a noteworthy move, Ørsted is also pledging a financial commitment of $100,000 to the Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) aimed at restoring and conserving wetlands in the vicinity of the project. Specifically, the venture aims to enhance the ecological health of an 8.8-acre playa critical to regional wildlife and water resources. This initiative underscores Ørsted’s dedication to environmental stewardship, mirroring their previous efforts with PLJV in West Texas, where they helped restore over 700 acres of playa habitat.

"We appreciate not only Ørsted's financial commitment to restoring these critical wetlands but also the shared understanding of the importance of maintaining biodiversity," remarked Rich Schultheis, PLJV Coordinator.

Economic Impact on Roosevelt County

The Blackwater Solar project is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits to Roosevelt County, generating an estimated $18 million in property tax revenue throughout its operational lifespan. This revenue will be instrumental in bolstering local public services, including education, infrastructure, and emergency response resources.

As Ørsted continues to expand its footprint in the renewable energy sector across the U.S., their projects like Blackwater Solar reflect a balance of meeting increasing energy demands while fostering community benefits and environmental health. With a commitment to responsible development and sustainability, Ørsted is poised to become a pivotal player in New Mexico’s energy future, creating a model for similar initiatives nationwide.

About Ørsted

Ørsted is renowned for its prominent role in developing renewable energy, with a portfolio that encompasses over 6 gigawatts of wind, solar, and battery storage capacity across eight states in the U.S. The company emphasizes partnerships with local communities and landowners to ensure that their energy solutions are both affordable and reliable while contributing positively to local economies and the environment. To learn more about Ørsted and its initiatives, visit us.orsted.com and follow the company on various social media platforms.