The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved planning goals of up to 5 GW of floating offshore wind by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045
California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “California is home to one of the best offshore wind resources in the world. I am confident this clean, domestic source of electricity can play an important role in meeting our state’s growing need for clean energy.” In July 2022, Governor Newsom called on the CEC to raise its offshore wind target to at least 20 GW by 2045.
CEC chair David Hochschild, who led the hearing in Sacramento that approved the expanded goals, said, “This is a moment for boldness. What we do here matters far more than we realise. We have a great record of starting big things in California, of pushing the envelope. What we’re doing today on offshore wind is it yet another step in that proud journey. I fully support it.”
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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