Xcel Energy Brings Up 522-MW Wind Plant in New Mexico

The U.S. based Xcel Energy Inc. has built the 522-MW Sagamore Wind Plant, switching on its 240 turbines in the state of New Mexico. As the company says, more than USD 900 million has been invested in the wind plant which will be operational before the end of December 2020.

Enlighting on the project, David Hudson, president of Xcel Energy New Mexico and Texas, said, “This is a major accomplishment not only for Xcel Energy but also for Roosevelt County and New Mexico.” He added, “The benefits of this clean energy resource will be apparent for decades to come.”

The wind plant was constructed by Wanzek Construction on more than 100,000 acres of area in east-central Roosevelt County. Sagamore’s 240 turbines have a high generating capacity of 522 MW. This large new supply of carbon-free electricity is a key component helping New Mexico meet its clean energy goals. Soon after Xcel Energy announced its carbon-free plans in late 2018, New Mexico passed the Energy Transition Act of 2019 mandating 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.

Operationally, Sagamore will be capable of powering close to 194,000 typical homes and creating 500 jobs at 25 different full-time positions to operate and maintain the ongoing facility. Xcel has its own plans to lower carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and become a supplier of 100% carbon-free power across its eight-state service area by 2050, the firm stated.

Also, boosting and developing New Mexico’s growing clean energy economy, Sagamore will provide more than USD 234 million in local and state benefits over the 25-year life of the wind plant, Xcel ensures.

In June, we had reported that the firm had released its proposal for one of the largest packages of energy investments in Minnesota’s history, as part of its response to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce request for energy companies to help with job growth and getting the economy on track. As part of Xcel Energy’s commitment to helping customers and the state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s proposal would include almost USD 3 billion of accelerated and incremental projects that will create jobs, advance the transition to cleaner energy, and keep customer bills stable.