List of the 40 largest renewable energy developers in California [2025]

Description

List of 3 large renewable energy developers from California

As well as landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the famous Silicon Valley, California is best known for its sunny weather. And Americans know a thing or two about harnessing the power of the sun – California is home to the world’s oldest solar power plant, with a capacity of 354 MW. But it’s not just the power of the sun that is being harnessed to produce renewable energy; other sustainable methods of energy production, such as onshore wind turbines, are also being implemented in California. This article profiles three renewable energy developers based in California.

Update 2024: A decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has generated much debate. This decision focuses on customers with multiple electricity meters, such as schools, apartments and businesses, and has affected the economics of solar power systems. The impact of this decision is being felt throughout the solar industry, leading to job losses and concerns about California’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2045.

1) Clearway Energy Group LLC (San Francisco)

With a mission to provide clean, competitive and reliable energy, Clearway Energy has become a leader in the energy transition not only in California but across the US. Today, the renewable energy developer operates in 35 states and has a gross operating capacity of 11.8 GW. In California alone, Clearway Energy has direct investments of $16 billion, resulting in more than 120 operating and development projects. In total, the developer powers more than 1.2 million homes in California.

2) Orion Renewable Energy Group (Oakland)

The Oakland-based renewable energy developer, with a regional focus on North Carolina, has completed projects totaling more than 6,000 MW. A pioneer in renewable energy generation, the company’s team of resource specialists, engineers and developers are committed to accelerating the energy transition. Founded in 1998, the renewable energy group works with local communities not only to optimise its own business but also to create opportunities and jobs for landowners and local businesses.

3) Sempra (San Diego)

The San Diego-based renewable energy developer (NYSE: SRE) develops solar farms, onshore wind farms and energy storage projects in North America and Mexico. By promoting energy diversification and renewable energy services, they have generated revenues of €10,829 million. Conscious of its responsibility as an energy provider, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power strives to lead the global energy transition by taking on the challenge of providing responsible energy solutions, including natural gas distribution and wind and solar power generation.

Developers for solar and wind energy in California

California is the nation’s leader in sustainable energy production. As a state with many hours of sunshine, California is also a popular location for renewable energy project developers of all kinds. Project developers are central to the successful expansion of green energy. Developers select sites, handle studies and permitting, plan and design projects, and work closely with installation companies and other necessary stakeholders. Our list is the most comprehensive database of California-based renewable energy developers and provides a great overview of companies with a sustainable energy project pipeline.

Columns included in the list of the Renewable Energy Developers in California

• Company data (Company Name, Legal form, State of origin)
• Contact details (Address, City, Postcode, URL, E-Mail, Phone, Management)
• Area of activity (Onshore Wind, Offshore Wind, Solar, Hydro, Tidal, Hydrogen projects, Geothermal, Energy storage, Biomass)
• Special Focus (IPP, PPAs, Repowering)
• Further information (Regional Focus, Founding year, installed capacity in MW)

Picture Sources: American Public Power Association & Manny Becerra via Unsplash (08.05.2023)