Ørsted starts construction on 200-MW Blackwater Solar project in New Mexico
The general population only gets to enjoy the benefits of a completed energy facility without necessarily being aware of the complex nature involved in the execution of an energy project. Countries have generally made it easier for developers to pursue and achieve success in the projects that they pursue during the clean energy transition because the more projects executed, the closer countries are to reaching their overall clean energy targets. With the year now coming to an end, companies are wrapping up their projects and closely examining the amount of progress that they have made. On that note, Ørsted recently started construction on the 200-MW Blackwater Solar project in New Mexico.
A general overview of Ørsted and its importance to the energy sector
Ørsted’s Americas Onshore business consists of over 6 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery storage capacity in operation across eight states. The company is one of the largest multi-technology independent power producers in the U.S., partnering with landowners and local communities to deliver affordable, reliable energy.
The company is supported by a team of an estimated 250 employees and is known for developing, operating, and constructing projects serving utilities and corporate offtakers with long-term power agreements. Considering the amount of activity that Ørsted has maintained in 2026, industry experts believe it is likely to be at the forefront of America’s ongoing solar energy transformation.
Breaking barriers: Ørsted starts construction on 200-MW Blackwater Solar project
A recent press release from Ørsted announced that the company has started the construction of Blackwater Solar, a 200 MW solar farm in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, representing the company’s first project in the state. There is a chance that the initiative will be the first of many, depending on the amount of success that the company is able to achieve.
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. Located between Portales and Clovis, Blackwater Solar will generate sufficient electricity to power the equivalent of more than 56,000 homes annually within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory.
This is a massive representation of just how much the solar energy industry has transformed to the point where developers are generating an incredible amount of revenue and power for communities despite the intermittency criticism that previously faced the sector.
The project is supported by a long-term power purchase agreement that will assist in meeting growing industrial electricity demand in New Mexico. Ørsted also decided to source solar panels for the project from domestic manufacturer First Solar, supporting American energy production and manufacturing.
Understanding how Blackwater solar will impact New Mexico’s solar sector
The project is expected to reach commercial operations in late 2027, but the general population is already looking forward to how beneficial it will be for them. Melissa Peterson, President of Americas Onshore at Ørsted, stated the following after the project’s announcement:
“Blackwater Solar marks an exciting first chapter for Ørsted in New Mexico. 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.”
Does Blackwater Solar represent the first of many projects to come in New Mexico?
The announcement of the initiative generated a tremendous amount of excitement within the Roosevelt County community, with people looking forward to more facilities. As part of its dedication to being a responsible community partner and steward of the land where it operates, Ørsted is contributing $100,000 to Playa Lakes Joint Venture to restore wetlands near Melrose, New Mexico.
In this instance, Ørsted is focusing on the state of New Mexico, which ranks second nationally in solar energy potential and 17th in installed solar capacity, anchored by rapid utility-scale growth and supportive state policies. Ørsted has a total installed solar capacity of 4,609 MWdc, powering over 1.13 million homes.
Prince is a versatile writer focused on energy, automotive, environmental, and general news topics. He makes complex technical and policy issues clear, engaging, and accessible for a broad audience.
