How the biggest renewable energy project in US history finally got built

The SunZia Wind and Transmission project in New Mexico has begun supplying electricity from more than 900 turbines, making it the largest wind farm in North America. Its scale and long-distance transmission show how renewable energy can help meet rising US electricity demand, though the project’s path also highlights the challenges of building major infrastructure across sensitive landscapes.

A 550-mile line carries power to customers including more than a million homes, with electricity reaching as far as California. The project spans five presidential administrations and faced changes in ownership and route, a dispute with a military base, and legal challenges from tribal communities and environmental groups; some cases remain unresolved. Its developer estimates it will prevent about 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by next summer.