Builders have broken ground at Alta Wind Energy Center in the Mojave desert in central California, which is earmarked to host 1.55GW.
Once complete, the Terra-Gen Power project will dwarf E.on's 782MW facility at Roscoe, Texas, and NextEra's 736MW Horse Hollow complex, also in Texas.
The project has been backed by California's pro-renewables governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"Having the world's largest wind project break ground in our state is tangible evidence that our pioneering policies are drawing investment," says the former Hollywood star.