California-based nonprofit electricity provider Clean Power Alliance has inked a 15-year power purchase agreement with Pattern Energy for 575 MW of wind energy from the SunZia Wind project in central New Mexico, which is scheduled to begin full construction later this year and achieve commercial operation in 2026.
The wind power from the project will be carried over the SunZia Transmission Line, which will enable the delivery of power from SunZia Wind directly into the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) energy market.
“I am thrilled to see CPA lead with this historic investment in the largest renewable energy project in America, which will provide clean wind power to Southern California and complement our abundant solar resources,” says CPA Vice Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath.
The SunZia Wind project, at over 3.5 MW, will have a capacity about 50% greater than Hoover Dam and will produce nearly triple the annual power generation of Hoover. Together with the SunZia Transmission Line, the $8 billion project will be the single largest renewable energy infrastructure project ever constructed in the United States.
CPA will be a primary recipient of energy from the project, contracting for 16% of SunZia’s overall capacity.
“The SunZia project will be a key source of renewable energy for CPA to better provide reliable power throughout the evening to our customers,” says Ted Bardacke, CEO of Clean Power Alliance. “As our customer base continues to grow – and with three new communities being served by 100 percent green power starting next spring – it’s imperative that we continue to search out abundant sources of clean energy to meet the growing demand of the communities we serve.”
The agreement with Pattern Energy is the 40th long-term PPA that CPA has secured since starting service to customers in 2018 and is the third PPA to secure out of state renewable resources; 16 of its PPAs are for projects located within Los Angeles County.
CPA currently serves more than 3 million residents and businesses in 32 communities and will expand to 35 in March 2024 when the cities of Hermosa Beach, Monrovia and Santa Paula each begin service.
Very nice