Southwestern Power Group (SWPG) has been given the green light to sell capacity on its planned 1.6GW merchant RioSol transmission line – which will run through Arizona and New Mexico – to wind power and solar developers.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Ferc) approved the company’s plan on 5 July, allowing SWPG to sell the project’s entire capacity through an open solicitation and capacity allocation process.
Bilateral negotiations will follow with eligible bidders that satisfy Ferc-approved eligibility criteria. SWPG plans to hold the solicitation later this year.
The $2.6 billion RioSol project – a 550-mile 500kV alternating current transmission line – is being co-developed with the New Renewable Energy Mexico Transmission Authority.
It will run parallel to the 3.5 GW direct current SunZia transmission line, formerly owned by SWPG and sold to Pattern Energy in 2022.
RioSol, which will comprise at least five substations along its route, is expected to begin construction in 2026, with commercial operation slated for 2028.
.png)
.png)
