World Power Plants

The Tuolumne Wind Project holds the 1767th position among power generation facilities in the United States, marking its significance in the growing renewable energy sector. With a capacity of 136.3 MW, this wind farm, commissioned in 2009 and operated by the Turlock Irrigation District, reflects a commitment to harnessing sustainable energy sources in an area that primarily relies on gas for power generation. Utilizing advanced wind turbine technology, the Tuolumne Wind Project converts wind energy into electricity, offering a clean alternative to traditional fuel sources. This facility exemplifies the shift towards renewable energy, crucial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and addressing climate change. Geographically, the Tuolumne Wind Project is situated near several significant energy installations, including the John Day hydroelectric plant with a capacity of 2160 MW, and the The Dalles hydro facility at 1819.7 MW. Additionally, the Biglow Canyon Wind Farm generates 449.7 MW, while Klondike Windpower III contributes 297.5 MW. This proximity to a diverse energy portfolio highlights the importance of integrating various energy sources to ensure a reliable and resilient grid. Compared to the national average capacity of 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants, the Tuolumne Wind Project stands as a smaller but vital contributor to California's energy landscape. In a country where natural gas dominates energy production, the role of wind power is becoming increasingly critical. The United States features 1142 wind plants, and the Tuolumne Wind Project ranks 327th among them, demonstrating the growth potential for wind energy in the national energy strategy. As the Turlock Irrigation District continues to promote renewable resources, the Tuolumne Wind Project is not only helping to fulfill local energy needs but also paving the way for a more sustainable energy future. This facility’s contribution to the grid reflects a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth, positioning it as a key player in the transition to a greener energy system.

Capacity
136.3 MW
Commissioning Year
2009

17 years old

Owner
Turlock Irrigation District
Location
45.8797°, -120.8072°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,818. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #8,810 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #561 of 5,731 Wind plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

17 years in operation

Wind fleet average: 14.4 years

Operator portfolio

Turlock Irrigation District operates 11 plants totalling 902 MW

Regional density

53 plants within 100 km, 11,268 MW combined

Nearest plant: Goldendale Generating Station (7.9 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 45.879700, -120.807200
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Tuolumne Wind Project is a wind power plant producing approximately 358 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~11 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Wind
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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