How the biggest renewable energy project in US history finally got built

Despite the immense scale of the SunZia Wind and Transmission project, it took years for this monumental renewable energy undertaking to come to fruition. Spanning five presidential administrations, multiple ownership transitions, a major route change, and conflicts with a U.S. military base, the project faced numerous obstacles.

Furthermore, it endured a series of legal battles from local tribal communities and environmental activists, some of which continue even now that the turbines are operational. The sheer size of the project, coupled with the unique natural conditions of the location, such as a wind that blows at night and a sun-soaked desert plain, added to the complexity.

Moreover, building this energy to major cities required traversing some of the most pristine and sacred lands in the country. SunZia became a symbol of the need for permitting reform, with some politicians using it to push for legislation that would enable the federal government to coordinate approvals more effectively, preventing delays caused by states dragging their feet.

Ultimately, the project's delayed start was attributed to financial issues rather than permitting delays, according to David Hayes, who served as deputy secretary of the Department of the Interior during the Obama administration.