Construction has started on Blackwater Solar, a 200-MW project in Roosevelt County, New Mexico. Project developer Ørsted also announced a $100,000 contribution to Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) to support the restoration and conservation of local wetlands near the project site.
Example of a playa on Kiowa National Grassland. Photo by Angela Safranek, courtesy of PLJV
Located between Portales and Clovis, Blackwater Solar will generate electricity within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory. The project, which uses First Solar panels, is expected to reach commercial operations date in late 2027.
“Blackwater Solar marks an exciting first chapter for Ørsted in New Mexico,” said Melissa Peterson, President of Americas Onshore at Ørsted. “Blackwater Solar will generate affordable, homegrown energy while creating long-term benefits for the local area. We are honored to make our first investment in the state and look forward to being a dedicated partner to the Roosevelt County community for years to come.”
As part of its commitment to being a responsible community partner and steward of the land where it operates, Ørsted is contributing $100,000 to PLJV to restore wetlands near Melrose, New Mexico. The project will help conserve an 8.8-acre playa, a natural resource that is important to the region’s wildlife and water resources. This effort builds on Ørsted’s previous partnership with PLJV in West Texas, where the company’s support helped restore more than 700 acres of playa habitat across five counties. Eastern New Mexico is home to more than 2,100 playas, which serve as important water resources and wildlife habitat across the region.
“PLJV is committed to working with a diverse group of partners to conserve natural resources for the benefit of both people and wildlife,” said PLJV Coordinator Rich Schultheis. “We appreciate not only Ørsted’s financial commitment to restoring these critical wetlands, but also the shared understanding of the importance of maintaining biodiversity. It is rewarding to see Ørsted supporting bird habitat restoration and increasing the biological function of playas.”
News item from Ørsted
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