1.79 MW
Project Size
5,400 MWh
Annual Production
4,430 Tons
Carbon Offset
4,690 Acres
Forest Equivalent
Building the greenest prison system in the country
Two local state agencies made the switch to wind energy together — Salinas Valley State Prison and the Correctional Training Facility — both working with Foundation Windpower to bring clean generation to the facilities just outside of Soledad.
The CTF wind turbine, located closer to Highway 101, stands 427 feet tall with blades 165 feet long and generates approximately 5,000 MWh per year — the equivalent of powering about 570 homes. The project took roughly two and a half months, covering foundation work, on-site electrical, turbine installation, electrical tie-in, and commissioning.
Under a site agreement with Foundation Windpower, the prison facilities purchase the wind power generated at a fixed rate over 20 years in exchange for turbine installation — with no cost to taxpayers. The CTF and Salinas Valley State Prison turbines are the fourth and fifth wind turbines installed between Greenfield and Gonzales.
"It's broadening our program for making the prison system more energy self-sufficient and helping the State meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
"Our goal is to make California the greenest prison system in the country."
According to Foundation Windpower EVP of Sales and Marketing Bob Lewis, the project took approximately two and a half months — covering foundation excavation and pouring, on-site electrical work, turbine installation, electrical tie-in, and final commissioning.
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