Ørsted Initiates Construction of 200-MW Blackwater Solar Project in New Mexico
Ørsted has commenced construction on its 200-megawatt (MW) Blackwater Solar project in Roosevelt County, New Mexico. This marks the company's inaugural project in the state. The Blackwater Solar farm, situated between Portales and Clovis, is designed to generate enough electricity to power over 56,000 homes annually within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory. As part of its commitment to the local community and environment, Ørsted has also announced a $100,000 contribution to the Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) to support the restoration and conservation of wetlands near the project site. The project is supported by a long-term power purchase agreement aimed at meeting the growing industrial electricity demand in New Mexico. Ørsted is sourcing solar panels for this project from First Solar, a domestic manufacturer, thereby supporting American energy production and manufacturing. The company's Americas Onshore business currently operates over 6 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery storage capacity ac...