SMUD begins construction on Solano 4 Wind Project

Modern wind turbines total 85.5 megawatts of renewable energy

On Thursday, SMUD will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Solano 4 Wind Project and installation of 19 wind turbines. The project has a capacity of 85.5 megawatts, enough renewable energy to power 40,000 homes. Solano 4 is the latest addition to SMUD’s green energy portfolio and an important step forward in SMUD’s goal to decarbonize the region’s power supply by 2030. 

What: Solano 4 Wind Project groundbreaking 

When: Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: Solano 4 Site, 1785 Toland Lane, Rio Vista, CA 94571

Who: SMUD Board of Directors, SMUD Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, SMUD executive team, Vestas executive team, Solano County representatives. Other invitees include state and local officials and elected representatives.

“Through our continued expansion of renewable energy, we take another step forward in realizing SMUD’s vision of a carbon-free power supply and future,” said SMUD Chief Executive Officer & General Manager Paul Lau. “As we retool and expand our renewable energy mix, SMUD’s bold 2030 Zero Carbon Plan will improve air quality, promote economic development and high-paying jobs across the service area, support zero carbon innovation in transportation and building electrification and most importantly, our plan empowers all customers and communities to participate in a clean energy future we are building together.”

Solano 4 Wind Project scope

• Removal of 23 Vestas V47 wind turbines (0.66 megawatts each, 15 megawatts total).
• Installation of 19 Vestas V150 wind turbines (4.5 megawatts each, 85.5 megawatts total).
• Increases capacity and energy by 70.5 megawatts and 335 gigawatt hours per year.
• The combined Solano Wind Project will generate 300 megawatts and 880 gigawatt hours per year. This is a 61 percent increase in the project annual energy generation.
• New Vestas V150 Turbine Dimensions:
  • Total turbine height, 590 feet
  • Turbine hub height, 344 feet
  • Turbine rotor diameter, 492 feet

SMUD has long partnered with Vestas, a world leader in sustainable technologies, to produce wind power generation. The re-powering project supports SMUD’s goal to reach zero carbon emissions in its power supply by 2030 and will help SMUD reach 60 percent renewable energy by 2025.Construction is expected to be completed by spring of 2024. 

About SMUD

As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Today, SMUD’s power supply is on average about 50 percent carbon free and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We design, manufacture, install, and service onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe, and with more than 164 GW of wind turbines in 87 countries, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. Through our industry leading smart data capabilities and unparalleled more than 144 GW of wind turbines under service, we use data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver best-in-class wind power solutions. Together with our customers, Vestas’ more than 28,000 employees are bringing the world sustainable energy solutions to power a bright future.