Sourcing Renewables, Wind  -  May 15, 2023

University of California, Shell Energy Sign for Wind Power

The Regents of the University of California and Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. are adopting the use of wind power from the SunZia Wind project. 

Both companies signed long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with  Pattern Energy Group, LP (Pattern Energy), a renewable energy and transmission infrastructure company, for a portion of the power from its 3,500+ MW SunZia Wind project.

Construction of SunZia Wind in New Mexico will start later in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2026.

"This wind contract represents another milestone achievement for the University of California," said David Phillips, Associate Vice President of Capital Programs, Energy and Sustainability, in a statement. "Eight years ago, we signed our first utility-scale contracts for solar and today we are adding another important renewable resource to our portfolio — wind. The University is excited to be part of such a significant renewable project that will reduce carbon emissions and provide more resilience to the California grid."

SunZia Transmission is a 550-mile ± 525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona with the capacity to transport 3,000 MW of clean, renewable energy. 

The projects continue to work with federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as well as local jurisdictions and stakeholders to finalize remaining approvals to allow construction to begin on schedule this year.

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