Sonoma Clean Power contracts for 46 MW of wind power

Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), the public agency who’s been generating electricity for 88% of Sonoma County’s residents and business owners since launching in 2014, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) of 46 MW for 20 years of wind power.

The project, the 86 MW Golden Hills North Wind Energy Center is located in Eastern Alameda County within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (US). It is being developed by NextEra Energy Resources, and represents the Agency’s first long-term in-state wind contract. NextEra expects to receive final management approval for the PPA within the next month.

The PPA, which was negotiated by SCP’s Director of Power Services Deb Emerson, is a step toward improved balance for the Agency’s portfolio.

The repowered project is expected to be operational by December 31, 2017 and produce enough electricity to power up to 46,000 Sonoma County homes.

Deb Emerson said:

“It’s important to have a diversified power mix to support our load. I’m pleased that SCP has been able to negotiate diverse power contracts for solar, geothermal, hydropower and wind.”

Geof Syphers, SCP’s CEO, stated:

“Repowered wind facilities carry multiple benefits. One repowered modern wind turbine replaces 21 of the old style, they produce more energy, and reduce the risk to birds.”