The CleanPowerSF community choice energy program, managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), has finalized a historic power purchase agreement for its largest single source of wind power. This new contract with Scout Clean Energy will supply CleanPowerSF with electricity from the Gonzaga Ridge wind project, located in Merced County, which is expected to produce 147.5 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, in addition to 50 MW of energy storage. This project will benefit 385,000 CleanPowerSF customers in San Francisco.
The Gonzaga Ridge wind farm, developed by Colorado-based Scout Clean Energy, will become the largest source of wind energy for CleanPowerSF. The wind farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately 120,000 San Francisco homes each year. The 50 MW, four-hour battery energy storage system will store energy generated during the day for use in the evening when energy demand is higher and the grid relies more on expensive fossil fuel sources.
The integration of this wind energy source is part of SFPUC’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and promote a transition to renewable energy, while ensuring affordable and reliable power for its users. Dennis Herrera, General Manager of the SFPUC, stated: “Thanks to our investment in Gonzaga Ridge, we will nearly double the amount of clean wind energy for our CleanPowerSF customers.”
An environmentally and economically impactful project
The Gonzaga Ridge project is a redevelopment of an existing wind farm located in Pacheco Park. When it comes online in May 2026, it is expected to avoid the emission of approximately 593,000 tons of carbon dioxide. The project will also generate significant economic benefits, creating 200 jobs during its development and construction phase. A notable feature is the recycling of turbine blades from the decommissioned site, preventing 378 tons of materials from being sent to landfills, which will be reused as concrete additives.
Ambitious commitments for San Francisco’s energy future
The Gonzaga Ridge project adds to CleanPowerSF’s contracts, bringing the total to more than 600 MW of new energy from solar, wind, and geothermal projects. Combined, these efforts now power more than 500,000 homes with renewable energy.
As of 2024, CleanPowerSF’s energy portfolio is more than 95% clean and renewable. Over the past eight years, CleanPowerSF has helped San Francisco reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity use by 93% from 1990 levels. This program stands out as an example of a successful large-scale transition to renewable energy sources.
