From Concept to Reality
An Enterprise Project Years in the Making
Building SunZia
- Current Progress
Development, Planning and Approval
See the Last 13 Years
Finalizing Approval, Construction and Launch
Our Next Steps…
Development, Planning and Approval
See the Last 13 Years
Finalizing Approval, Construction and Launch
Our Next Steps…
Our Next Milestones
Completed and In-progress. 
Future.
2020-2021
Finalize Right-of-Way Acquisition
2020-2021
Finalize Engineering Design
2020-2022
Finalize Permits
2022
Procuring Materials for Construction
2023-2025
Construction
2025
Commercial Operation
Right-of-Way Acquisitions
The SunZia Project consists of two bi-directional, extra-high voltage electric transmission lines. The project has been issued a Right-of-Way Grant by the Bureau of Land Management for the portions of the project located on federal land. Applications for rights of way for the portions of the project located on State Trust Land are pending in both Arizona and New Mexico. Acquisitions of land rights from owners of private land within the project route are also in progress.
Our Next Milestones
Completed and In-progress.
Future.
2020-2021
Finalize Right-of-Way Acquisition
2020-2021
Finalize Engineering Design
2020-2022
Finalize Permits
2022-2023
Procuring Materials for Construction
2022-2025
Construction
2025
Commercial Operation
Right-of-Way Acquisitions
The SunZia Project consists of two bi-directional extra-high voltage electric transmission lines. The Project has a Right-of-Way Grant by the Bureau of Land Management for portions of the project located on federal land. Planned routes through state and private lands in Arizona and New Mexico are close to 100% secure.
The Creation of a Regional Transmission Project
2006
A Need for Transmission
A need for transmission emerges in regional planning. As the country begins the transition to clean and renewable energy, it becomes clear there is a lack of infrastructure to transmit the energy to consumers. SouthWestern Power Group starts discussing SunZia as a potential independent transmission project with regional utilities and renewable developers.
2008
Project Initiation
SunZia submits a Right-of-Way application to the Bureau of Land Management.
Environmental Impact Statement per the National Environmental Policy Act
The Bureau of Land Management started preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement and approved the transmission line in a Record of Decision issued in 2015.
2011
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approval
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues an order that allows 50 percent of the capacity of SunZia’s transmission lines to be committed to Anchor Tenants.
2016
Anchor Tenant Selected
SunZia’s first customer is Western Spirit Wind Farm, a series of wind energy projects being developed by Pattern Energy.
Right-of-Way Agreement – BLM
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issues a Right-of-Way Grant approval for the portion of SunZia located on federal land.
Arizona State Permit
The Arizona Corporation Commission issues a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility authorizing a corridor for location of the Arizona portion of the project.
2019-2021
Right-of-Way Progress
The SunZia development continues to finalize all permitting activity in Arizona and New Mexico.
2021-Present
Updated Routing
The SunZia development team is seeking to update the BLM approved Right-of-Way to potentially co-locate the project along existing transmission lines benefiting national defense and reducing impact on the terrain.
2006
A Need for Transmission
A need for transmission emerges in regional planning. As the country begins the transition to clean and renewable energy, it becomes clear there is a lack of infrastructure to transmit the energy to consumers.
2008
Project Initiation
SunZia submits a right-of-way application to the Bureau of Land Management.
Environmental Impact Statement per the National Environmental Policy Act
The Bureau of Land Management prepared an Environmental Impact Statement and approved the transmission line in a Record of Decision issued in 2015.
2011
Anchor Tenant Selected
SunZia’s first customer is Corona Wind Farm, it is being developed by Pattern Energy and is under supervision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approval
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues an order that allows 50 percent of the capacity of SunZia’s transmission lines to be committed to Anchor Tenants
2016
Right-of-Way Agreement – BLM
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issues a Right-of-Way Grant approval for the portion of SunZia located on Federal land.
Arizona State Permit
The Arizona Corporation Commission issues a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility authorizing a corridor for location of the Arizona portion of the project.
2019
Private Right-of-Way Progress
SunZia received a right-of-way agreement from the Bureau of Land Management in 2016. That approval provided the ability for SunZia to submit right-of-way applications with the Arizona State Land Department and the New Mexico State Land Office. Discussions to secure right-of-way easements through private lands are in progress and nearing completion in both Arizona and New Mexico.
2021-Present
Updated Routing
The SunZia development team is seeking to update the BLM approved Right-of-Way to potentially co-locate the project along existing transmission lines benefiting national defense and reducing impact on the terrain.