California finalises offshore wind blueprint

The plan by the California Energy Commission (CEC) is a roadmap for how the state can achieve what is perhaps an overly optimistic goal of 25GW of offshore wind by 2045, which would put the state at the forefront of floating wind globally.

All wind projects off the coast of California will have to be floating because of the depth of the Pacific Ocean.

Assembly bill 525, passed in 2021, directed the CEC to complete and submit a strategic plan for offshore wind development in federal waters off the California coast to other agencies in the state government and the relevant fiscal and policy committees of the state legislature. 

A draft plan was published in January.

The final AB 525 strategic plan outlines the key next steps to bring California offshore wind online, with 2-5GW envisaged online by 2030.

This includes investments in a multi-port strategy and new electric transmission, an efficient and timely process for permitting, a robust supply chain and workforce training, engaging key stakeholders and identifying suitable sea space.

“This comprehensive strategic plan marks a watershed moment in California’s course and commitment to go big on offshore wind, and achieve its nation-leading goal of deploying 25GW by 2045,” said Adam Stern, executive director of trade group Offshore Wind California.

BloombergNEF forecasts that no wind projects will be built off California until 2033, said analyst Chelsea Jean-Michel.

A federal auction was held in December 2022 for wind tracts offshore California.

The winning $757.1 million in bids in the provisional results of the December 2022 were significantly lower in value than in previous US offshore auctions. This was because of the deep waters, lack of transmission and the fact that offtakes may be difficult to obtain.