Ørsted Commences Construction of 200 MW Blackwater Solar Farm in New Mexico, US

Ørsted has started building Blackwater Solar, a 200 MW solar farm in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, the company announced on September 30, 2026. The project, positioned between Portales and Clovis, represents the Danish developer's first investment in New Mexico, with commercial operations targeted for late 2027.

A New Era of Renewable Energy in New Mexico

The facility is contracted under a long-term power purchase agreement that the company says is intended to address rising industrial electricity demand in the state. Once operational, Blackwater Solar is projected to generate enough power to serve the equivalent of more than 56,000 homes each year across the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory.

Melissa Peterson, President of Americas Onshore at Ørsted, described the project as a significant entry point for the company in the state.

"Blackwater Solar marks an exciting first chapter for Ørsted in New Mexico," she said, adding that the farm will deliver affordable, homegrown energy while generating lasting local benefits. She noted the company looks forward to being a long-term partner to the Roosevelt County community.

Funding Committed for Playa Wetland Conservation

In parallel with the construction start, Ørsted pledged USD 100,000 to Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV), a partnership focused on wetland restoration and conservation near the project site.

The funds will support wetland restoration near Melrose, New Mexico, and the conservation of an 8.8-acre playa, which Ørsted characterized as a natural resource vital to regional wildlife and water supplies. Eastern New Mexico contains more than 2,100 playas, which the announcement identified as important water resources and wildlife habitat across the region.

Rich Schultheis, PLJV Coordinator, welcomed the collaboration. "Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) is committed to working with a diverse group of partners to conserve natural resources for the benefit of both people and wildlife," he said.

He expressed appreciation for both Ørsted's financial backing of the wetland restoration and the company's recognition of biodiversity's importance, calling it rewarding to see support for bird habitat restoration and improved biological function of playas.

Domestically Manufactured Panels Selected for the Site

Ørsted has procured the solar panels for Blackwater Solar from First Solar, a U.S.-based manufacturer. According to the company, the sourcing decision reinforces American energy production and manufacturing alongside the project's construction activity.

Conservation Effort Follows West Texas Model

The New Mexico initiative extends an existing relationship between Ørsted and PLJV in West Texas. Under that prior partnership, the company's backing contributed to the restoration of more than 700 acres of playa habitat spanning five counties.

Projected Fiscal Benefits for the County

Over its operating life, Blackwater Solar is forecast to deliver nearly USD 18 million in property tax revenue to Roosevelt County. Ørsted stated that this revenue stream will bolster local schools, infrastructure, first responders, and other public services in the area.

The company framed the project, together with the conservation contribution, as an example of its strategy for meeting growing electricity demand while delivering enduring environmental and economic value in the communities where it does business.

Scale of Ørsted's Onshore Portfolio in the Americas

Ørsted's Americas Onshore business operates more than 6 gigawatts of wind, solar, and battery storage capacity across eight states, positioning the company among the largest multi-technology independent power producers in the United States.

The business, staffed by roughly 250 employees, develops, constructs, and operates projects under long-term power agreements serving utilities and corporate offtakers, working in partnership with landowners and local communities to supply affordable, reliable energy.