Newsom calls for boost to California’s long-term target for offshore wind

The new targets and requested actions outlined in the letter include establishing a California Energy Commission (CEC) planning goal of at least 20 GW of offshore wind in 2045. In May 2022, the CEC released a draft Assembly Bill (AB) 525 report that proposed planning goals for offshore wind of 3 GW by 2030, 10-15 GW by 2045 and up to 20 GW by 2050.

Responding to the governor’s statement, Offshore Wind California executive director Adam Stern said, “This is great news for California’s offshore wind industry and workers. We applaud Governor Newsom for calling on the CEC to establish an offshore wind planning goal of at least 20 GW by 2045.

“This is another sign California is serious about ‘going big’ on floating offshore wind, to drive economies of scale and realise the very substantial clean power, climate, and jobs benefits offshore wind can deliver for our state. It’s also a welcome preview of what the CEC is expected to set in the final AB 525 report on offshore wind planning goals for 2030 and 2045, to help California achieve its ambitious climate and clean energy targets.

“Offshore Wind California and others in the industry are encouraging the CEC to approve planning goals of 5 GW by 2030 and at least 20 GW by 2045, which are well-supported by the latest industry and academic research.

“The CEC’s final goals will send an important signal to the industry and other state and federal agencies that California is committed to moving forward expeditiously to make responsible development of offshore wind power a reality. The next key steps include the federal lease auction this fall and planning for transmission, port infrastructure, procurement, additional call areas, workforce development and a sustainable supply chain.”

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