New 200 MW solar project will help power New Mexico industry while supporting local conservation efforts

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ørsted today announced the start of construction on Blackwater Solar, a 200 MW solar farm in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, marking the company’s first project in the state. The company 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 enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 56,000 homes annually within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory. The project is backed by a long-term power purchase agreement that will help meet growing industrial electricity demand in New Mexico. In addition, Ørsted sourced solar panels for the project from domestic manufacturer First Solar, supporting American energy production and manufacturing. The project is expected to reach commercial operations date in late 2027.

“Blackwater Solar marks an exciting first chapter for Ørsted in New Mexico,” said Melissa Peterson, President of Americas Onshore at Ørsted. “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.”

As part of its commitment 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. The project will help conserve an 8.8 acre playa, a natural resource that is important to the region’s wildlife and water resources. This effort builds on Ørsted’s previous partnership with PLJV in West Texas, where the company’s support helped restore more than 700 acres of playa habitat across five counties. Eastern New Mexico is home to more than 2,100 playas, which serve as important water resources and wildlife habitat across the region.

“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,” PLJV Coordinator Rich Schultheis said. “We appreciate not only Ørsted’s financial commitment to restoring these critical wetlands, but also the shared understanding of the importance of maintaining biodiversity. It is rewarding to see Ørsted supporting bird habitat restoration and increasing the biological function of playas.”

Blackwater Solar and the accompanying conservation investment reflect Ørsted’s approach to meeting growing electricity demand while creating lasting environmental and economic benefits in the communities where it operates. In addition to the conservation investment, Blackwater Solar is expected to contribute nearly $18 million in property tax revenue to Roosevelt County over its operating life, helping support local schools, infrastructure, first responders, and other public resources.

About Ørsted
Ørsted’s Americas Onshore business encompasses over 6 gigawatts of wind, solar, 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. Supported by a team of approximately 250 employees, the business develops, constructs, and operates projects serving utilities and corporate offtakers with long-term power agreements. To learn more about Ørsted in the U.S., visit us.orsted.com or follow the company on X (@OrstedUS), Instagram, and Facebook.

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SOURCE Orsted