Sempra Infrastructure has announced the finalization of the investment decision for the Cimarron wind power project, increasing the capacity of the ESJ complex to over 580 MW. This $550 million commitment promises to provide crucial renewable energy for the city of Santa Clara through a 20-year power purchase agreement with Silicon Valley Power. Scheduled to start up at the end of 2025, the project is an important milestone towards realizing California’s renewable ambitions, as the state aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. With the creation of over 2,000 jobs, Cimarron will have a significant economic impact, stimulating local employment and community investment.
Strategic partnerships for project success
The efficiency and reliability of the Cimarron project are ensured by fixed-price agreements with Vestas for the supply of turbines and with Elecnor for the construction of the infrastructure. These collaborations underline the importance of strong partnerships in the success of renewable energy initiatives. The use of Sempra’s existing high-voltage transmission line to connect the wind farm directly to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) grid optimizes the project’s integration into the regional energy system. These strategic steps will ensure a smooth and efficient energy transition for the region.
Environmental benefits and sustainability
The Cimarron project will produce energy equivalent to the annual consumption of over 84,000 homes, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by around 210,000 metric tons of CO2e per year. This represents a significant step forward in California’s efforts to meet its sustainability and emissions reduction targets. The project’s contribution to the environment, combined with its economic impact, makes it a model for future renewable energy developments. It also demonstrates Sempra’s commitment to investing in clean energy solutions that benefit both society and the planet.
With the addition of the Cimarron project, the ESJ complex will represent one of the largest commercial wind power projects in Mexico, underlining the scale and scope of Sempra’s initiative. Future expansion, with an additional 300 MW of demand already under evaluation, could bring Sempra’s installed capacity in the region to over 1,200 MW. This potential expansion reflects Sempra’s long-term vision for the development of renewable energies in the Baja California region, reinforcing its role as a leader in the energy transition.
