local case study
United StatesThe Strauss Wind Farm, the first wind project on California's coast, launched operations in December 2023. It generates enough energy to power approximately 36,000 homes and feeds power into the electric grid through Pacific Gas & Electric at the Lompoc City limits, enhancing energy resilience for the Lompoc area. Located about 3.5 miles southwest of Lompoc, California, the Strauss Wind Farm comprises 27 turbines that will deliver up to 259 gigawatt hours of renewable and reliable energy to California.
Strauss Wind utilizes cutting-edge technology and the latest innovations in renewable power to set a new standard for coastal wind energy and help California meet its ambitious renewable energy goals. To help ensure dual usage for this valuable land, the 5,887-acre Strauss Wind Farm is leased from five local landowners, with cattle cohabitating much of the acreage, allowing for dual use of the land. This innovative approach demonstrates a commitment to sustainable land management while providing renewable energy solutions for the community.
Wind farms like the Strauss Wind Farm are an economic generator, providing tax revenue to local counties, income for farmers and ranchers, and increased economic activity for local restaurants, hotels and other service providers. Our team at BayWa r.e. appreciates the support of local leaders to help deliver reliable energy to California’s grid and communities.
Strauss Wind Farm benefits the local economy in the following ways:
Strauss Wind will help California meet its renewable energy goal of 100% renewable power by 2040. Locally, this project supports Santa Barbara County’s 2030 Climate Action Plan (CAP) to cut climate pollution by 50% by 2030 (below 2018 levels). The 2030 CAP is currently under development and builds off the existing 2015 Energy & Climate Action Plan. The annual amount of electricity generated by Strauss Wind Farm will eliminate 105,570 tons of carbon pollution every year in support of the climate targets.
Blade Lift Technology
For Strauss Wind Farm, BayWa r.e. introduced innovative Blade Lift technology to transport the wind turbine blades, which raised blades to an inclination of around 65 degrees making it easier for trucks to drive on narrow roads with sharp bends. This new mode of transport reduced the environmental impact because less roads needed to be built or widened. This reduced the impact on oak trees by nearly 90%.
IdentiFlight
To help protect birds near the project, BayWa r.e. utilizes IdentiFlight—a new network and software that employes AI technology and cameras to detect, analyze and identify eagles with a trajectory towards a wind turbine. IdentiFlight towers installed at the project site collect raptor flight data and automatically curtail the wind turbines when golden or bald eagles are detected.
Additional conservation measures enacted around the Strauss Wind Farm include the following:
The Strauss Wind Farm undertook significant steps to reduce the impact to cultural resources, including the Chumash sacred sites located to the west of the project site on VAFB property.
