Renewable Energy PPA: Sempra Infrastructure signs 2nd cross-border PPA in North America for 300 MW Cimarrón wind project

Power from the project will be off-taken by the Californian municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). The Cimarrón wind project is currently under development in Baja California, Mexico, and is the third phase of the company’s Energía Sierra Juárez (ESJ) wind farm. 

The initial phase of the project consisted of 47 turbines with a generating capacity of 155 MW. A second phase, consisting of an additional 26 turbines generating 108 MW, commenced operations in January 2022, with both phases contracted to sell power in the CAISO power market. The project will leverage Sempra’s existing cross-border high voltage transmission line to interconnect and deliver clean energy to the East County Substation in San Diego County, California.

SVP serves as the city of Santa Clara’s sole electric utility, supplying power to 50,000 residential and industrial customers. The provider divested its coal plants at the end of 2017, and since 2018 has been supplying its residential clients with 100% carbon-free power, comprising 50% eligible renewable resources and 50% large hydroelectric. SVP launched a 100% renewable energy program in 2004 - Santa Clara Green Power - backed entirely by solar power generated in California and the Western United States. The voluntary initiative allows customers to match up to 100% of their monthly electric use with renewable energy.

The above analysis is proprietary to Enerdatics’ energy analytics team, based on the current understanding of the available data. The information is subject to change and should not be taken to constitute professional advice or a recommendation.