Austin – September 30, 2026 -- Ørsted has begun construction on Blackwater Solar, a 200 MW solar farm in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, marking the Danish energy developer's first project in the state.
Project will supply power equivalent to 56,000 homes under long-term contract
Located between Portales and Clovis, Blackwater Solar is backed by a long-term power purchase agreement designed to meet rising industrial electricity demand within the Southwest Power Pool territory. The facility will generate enough electricity annually to power the equivalent of more than 56,000 homes. Ørsted sourced the project's solar panels from domestic manufacturer First Solar. Commercial operations are expected to begin in late 2027.
Ørsted commits $100,000 to wetland restoration near project site
Alongside construction, Ørsted is contributing $100,000 to Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) to restore an 8.8-acre playa near Melrose, New Mexico. Eastern New Mexico contains more than 2,100 playas, wetlands that serve as critical water and wildlife resources for the region. The investment extends a prior Ørsted-PLJV partnership in West Texas that restored more than 700 acres of playa habitat across five counties.
Melissa Peterson, President of Americas Onshore at Ørsted, called the project the company's first investment in New Mexico and said it is intended to deliver long-term benefits for Roosevelt County. PLJV Coordinator Rich Schultheis said the funding supports bird habitat restoration and the biological function of local playas.
Roosevelt County to collect nearly $18 million in property tax revenue
Blackwater Solar is projected to generate nearly $18 million in property tax revenue for Roosevelt County over its operating life, funds expected to support local schools, infrastructure and first responders. Ørsted's Americas Onshore business currently operates more than 6 gigawatts of wind, solar and battery storage capacity across eight states with roughly 250 employees.