California energy agency urges raised 25GW floating offshore wind target

The California Energy Commission (CEC) issued the goals in a report, ‘Offshore Wind Energy Development in Federal Waters Offshore the California Coast: Maximum Feasibly Capacity & Megawatt Planning Goals for 2030’ on 2 August.

Its 2045 goal is higher than the 20GW by 2045 target called for by Governor Gavin Newsom as recently as late July.

In a draft report published in May, the CEC had called for 3GW for 2030 and up to 15GW by 2045.

The CEC’s new goals will be voted on by commissioners at a meeting on 10 August.

Wind projects off California would be floating because of the depth of the Pacific Ocean.

Offshore Wind California’s executive director Adam Stern said: “For California and offshore wind, going bigger is better.” 

He added: “The CEC’s expanded goals are an important milestone and send a clear signal that California is committed to being a leader in responsibly developing this new industry, and to driving the economies of scale that will generate the substantial clean power, climate, and jobs benefits offshore wind can deliver for the state.” 

A comprehensive strategic plan will have to be developed for offshore wind transmission, port infrastructure, procurement, additional ‘call areas’ – areas auctioned off by US government agency, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management – workforce development and a sustainable supply chain, Stern said.

A federal auction will be held later this year of tracts off California. 

The state has a 2030 climate goal to slash emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and to achieve state carbon neutrality by 2045. 

California is the world’s fifth largest economy.