It’s a Wind-Wind Situation in New Mexico

New energy farm spans three counties, generating a ton of electricity and tax revenue.

By Kevin Litwin on December 13, 2023

iStock.com/David Arment

In Central New Mexico, there are 377 wind turbines located collectively in Guadalupe, Lincoln and Torrance counties. And the massive amount of generated electricity from the wind farm in New Mexico is being sold to utility companies in California.

San Francisco-based Pattern Energy has installed the turbines and transmission lines as part of a wind project called Western Spirit, which can supply electricity to about 1 million customers in California.

The company invested $2 billion in the Western Spirit project, and Pattern Energy previously spent $1.6 billion in New Mexico on a wind energy farm in Curry County. Company officials hope to eventually invest another $6 billion in New Mexico to supply electricity to customers in Arizona.

Benefiting from such wind projects are New Mexico landowners who lease their properties for the turbines as well as local and state governments. For example, governments and school districts in Guadalupe, Lincoln and Torrance counties will each earn $1 million in tax money every year from Pattern Energy for the next 30 years.

And to train students for this lucrative energy industry, a North American Wind Research and Training Center now exists on the campus of Mesalands Community College in Quay County, next to Guadalupe County.

Students at the Wind Center can earn certificates and two-year degrees prior to starting high-paying, in-demand careers within the wind energy technology industry.