The SunZia Wind Farm, the largest wind farm in the United States, has begun commercial operations in New Mexico with a total capacity of 3,650 megawatts (MW), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Developed and operated by Pattern Energy, the project marks a milestone in American renewable energy infrastructure, surpassing all previous onshore wind installations in the nation.
The wind farm comprises 916 turbines spread across Lincoln, Torrance, and San Miguel counties in New Mexico. According to multiple energy sources, SunZia’s capacity exceeds that of the next two largest U.S. onshore wind farms by more than three times, establishing it as a singular achievement in the sector. The facility is designed to supply around one million homes with electricity.
The addition of SunZia’s capacity has dramatically reshaped New Mexico’s energy profile. According to Renewables Now, the new capacity brings total wind capacity in the state to 7,647 MW, making wind the state’s largest source of generating capacity at 45 percent of total production. This positions New Mexico as a major player in the nation’s renewable energy transition, second only to Wyoming in installed wind energy capacity, according to Third Way research.
Beyond the wind farm itself, SunZia includes a 550-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line that extends into Arizona and California, enabling the project to deliver power to load centers across the Southwest. The transmission infrastructure was critical to unlocking the project’s potential, as the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority notes that the transmission line made the wind farm development possible. This integrated approach—combining generation with long-distance transmission—distinguishes SunZia from traditional wind projects.
The project represents an $11 billion investment and required approximately 2,000 construction workers during peak construction phases, according to Pattern Energy documentation. Once fully operational, more than 150 permanent staff will operate and maintain the combined wind and transmission systems. Turbine commissioning began in April 2026, with testing of the 916 units proceeding through the spring before the transition to commercial operations this month.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) — confirmed SunZia’s 3,650 MW capacity, 916 turbines, and status as the largest U.S. wind farm; reported impact on New Mexico’s total wind capacity (7,647 MW) and wind’s share of state generation (45%)
- Daily Energy Insider — reported SunZia’s commercial operations and 3,650 MW capacity
- Renewables Now — confirmed SunZia’s capacity and impact on New Mexico wind capacity; noted SunZia’s capacity exceeds the next two largest U.S. wind farms by more than three times
- Enerdata — reported June 2026 commercial operations start date
- energynews.pro — confirmed SunZia as the largest U.S. wind farm and noted capacity comparison to prior largest farms
- Modern Power Systems — confirmed SunZia as the largest U.S. wind farm at 3,650 MW
- Albuquerque Journal — reported SunZia’s commercial operations and 916 turbine count
- Pattern Energy — provided project details including 916 turbines, $11 billion investment, construction workforce, and permanent staff figures
- Third Way — reported New Mexico as second only to Wyoming in installed wind energy capacity
- New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority — explained transmission line’s role in enabling wind farm development
