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The California Energy Commission has approved a strategic plan to develop a massive floating offshore wind industry with the aim of achieving 25 GW of capacity by 2045.
California’s electricity grid is served by nearly 35,000 MW of renewable resources today, but to meet the 2045 goal, the state will need an additional 148,000 MW, which will likely require the development of land and ocean space across many regions of the state.
To date, most offshore wind energy projects have used fixed-bottom foundations, which are more suitable for shallow waters, but the US west coast state said it has identified floating wind because it’s particularly suited to deep waters and offers several benefits, including the ability to access stronger and more consistent wind resources farther offshore and reduced environmental disturbances to the seabed.
The scheme, described as the world’s most ambitious floating wind development to date, includes assessments and recommendations related to marine resources, sea-space planning, tribal engagement, fishery relations, permitting, workforce development, transmission and port development.
It has been endorsed by Governor Gavin Newsom, a politically ambitious Democrat with an eye on the White House in 2028.
The initial interim goal involves 2 to 5 GW of floating offshore wind capacity by 2030. However, to meet the state’s 2045 offshore wind planning goals, significant investments will be required. By 2045, 16 large and 10 small ports will be needed along California’s coast for various aspects of development and support, according to the plan. An estimated investment of about $11 to $12bn will be needed to upgrade existing port infrastructure to meet the 2045 target. |
