CEC unanimously approves 25 GW of offshore wind in California

Offshore Wind California executive director Adam Stern said, “These goals set an ambitious course and show that California is serious about ‘going big’ on floating offshore wind, to drive economies of scale and generate the substantial clean power, climate and jobs benefits this renewable energy resource can deliver for our state.

“Achieving 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030 will position the state to meet and even exceed its 25 GW goal by 2045. For California and offshore wind, going bigger is better.”

In September 2021, Governor Newsom signed legislation, AB 525, that directed the CEC to establish planning targets for this clean energy technology. AB 525 also directs the CEC to work with other agencies and stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive plan for offshore wind, including transmission, port infrastructure, procurement, additional call areas, workforce development and a sustainable supply chain, by 30 June 2023.

Later this year, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is expected to begin leasing at the state’s Morro Bay and Humboldt wind energy areas.

“I applaud these proposed goals, which are the largest of any state in the US,” said David Chiu, who was lead author of AB 525 in the State Assembly. “Now is exactly the time for us to be bold, visionary and to lead. We will look back to this moment as you adopt this report with its recommended goals as a critical milestone in our efforts to combat climate change.”

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