Pattern Development buys two renewable energy assets in New Mexico, US

Pattern Energy Group (Pattern Development) has purchased two renewable energy assets that are currently under development in New Mexico, US from Clean Line Energy Partners.

Construction of the newly acquired Western Spirit Transmission Line (Western Spirit) and the Mesa Canyons Wind Farm (Mesa Canyons) projects are scheduled to begin next year, with commissioning expected to take place in 2020.

Once developed, Mesa Canyons is expected to expand Pattern Development’s wind development footprint in New Mexico’s Estancia Valley to over 3,000MW.

The 1,000MW wind farm will be situated on nearly 125,000 acres of land.

The farm will directly be interconnected to the 345kV Western Spirit transmission line, which will start near the farm and run northwest through five counties to the western side of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to interconnect with Public Service Company of New Mexico’s transmission system.

Development of both the Western Spirit and Mesa Canyons are expected to create hundreds of construction jobs in rural New Mexico, millions of dollars in increased tax revenue to the state, among other benefits.

Clean Line Energy Partners president Michael Skelly said: “Across the country, we are seeing clear proof of how building new efficient transmission infrastructure provides substantial benefits for consumers, through the delivery of clean renewable energy at rock bottom prices, job creation, and economic development.”

The company has previously collaborated with the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) to jointly develop the Western Spirit line.

The collaboration will continue to exist between RETA and Pattern Development while developing the line.

Pattern Development CEO Mike Garland said: “New Mexico is home to one of the strongest wind resources in the country and Pattern Development is committed to developing and constructing these new projects as excellent additions to our portfolio, expanding our investment in this enchanting state.”

In addition, the company expects to commission its 221MW Grady Wind facility in New Mexico next year.