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New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and Invenergy announce plans for $2bn power line
2022-12-04
Invenergy and New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) have announced plans to develop a $2bn power line capable of transferring 4GW of solar and wind energy from the US desert Southwest. The proposed 644km (400-mile) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) conduit, named North Path, is expected to help unlock an estimated $11bn of untapped renewable energy investment potential in the state.
The transmission line will be sourced from multiple future renewable energy projects located in northeastern New Mexico near Oklahoma and Texas, then traverse through the state en route to Navajo tribal lands in western Four Corners region. Upon completion, North Path is projected to bring electricity for about two million homes, helping New Mexico meet its renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030.
The developers are focused on obtaining the necessary governmental permits in 2021, a process which could take up to three years according to projections. If achieved, construction is expected to be completed in 2028. This project serves as an important test for President Joe Biden's administration who has promised to make federal transmission planning and permitting smoother and faster for such large-scale bulk transmission projects. It may well make or break his goal of achieving carbon-free electricity grid by the year 2035.
The power line would be connected to the existing switchyard located in Tucumcari, New Mexico which is currently operational but slated for expansion. It will also provide interconnection opportunities for other renewable energy consumers in the region, creating a more interconnected grid that can better tap into the nation’s renewable energy resources.
Invenergy and RETA are both confident that North Path will be a success and provide great value to the region by bringing sustainable, low-cost energy to millions of homes. As Bob Bush, chairman of RETA said in a statement: “North Path is a critically needed pathway for moving low-cost clean energy to consumers across the state and region who are demanding it.”
Invenergy and New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) have announced plans to develop a $2bn power line capable of transferring 4GW of solar and wind energy from the US desert Southwest. The proposed 644km (400-mile) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) conduit, named North Path, is expected to help unlock an estimated $11bn of untapped renewable energy investment potential in the state.
The transmission line will be sourced from multiple future renewable energy projects located in northeastern New Mexico near Oklahoma and Texas, then traverse through the state en route to Navajo tribal lands in western Four Corners region. Upon completion, North Path is projected to bring electricity for about two million homes, helping New Mexico meet its renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030.
The developers are focused on obtaining the necessary governmental permits in 2021, a process which could take up to three years according to projections. If achieved, construction is expected to be completed in 2028. This project serves as an important test for President Joe Biden's administration who has promised to make federal transmission planning and permitting smoother and faster for such large-scale bulk transmission projects. It may well make or break his goal of achieving carbon-free electricity grid by the year 2035.
The power line would be connected to the existing switchyard located in Tucumcari, New Mexico which is currently operational but slated for expansion. It will also provide interconnection opportunities for other renewable energy consumers in the region, creating a more interconnected grid that can better tap into the nation’s renewable energy resources.
Invenergy and RETA are both confident that North Path will be a success and provide great value to the region by bringing sustainable, low-cost energy to millions of homes. As Bob Bush, chairman of RETA said in a statement: “North Path is a critically needed pathway for moving low-cost clean energy to consumers across the state and region who are demanding it.”