German renewable energy leader BayWa r.e. recently launched the operation of its Strauss Wind Project in Santa Barbara County, marking the first-ever wind farm on California’s coast.
Strategic location
According to BayWa r.e., the Strauss Wind Energy Project in Santa Barbara County. It is about 3.5 miles southwest of Lompoc, with Vandenberg Space Force Base to the south, west, and northwest.
The site’s topography spans over 3,000 acres. It is perpendicular to the ocean’s predominant wind direction, making it an excellent location for wind power generation.
Capacity
The Strauss Wind Energy Project has 29 wind turbines deployed throughout the 3,000-acre site. They are up to 492 feet tall with 220-foot-long turbine blades.
These wind turbines can generate an output of 98 megawatts, sufficient to power approximately 40,000 homes.
“I think that’s a pretty significant step in this county. There were moments where we weren’t sure that we were going to be able to make this project happen, but everybody pulled together, including the state and federal agencies, to get it up and running.”
County Planning and Development Director Lisa Plowman
The Strauss Wind Energy Project also includes a 7-mile 115-kilovolt transmission line, connecting it to the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E).
Brief background
BayWa r.e. claims the Strauss Wind was two decades in the making. The construction started in 2001, but the company only secured the rights to this project in September 2016.
It initiated a new strategy for the development and changed the name from Lompoc Wind Project to Strauss Wind.
BayWa r.e. projects the Strauss Wind to generate about $40 million in tax revenue in its 30-year lifespan. It can also offer a new source of revenue for ranchers who have leased their properties to the project.
