The California Energy Commission (CEC) has set an ambitious, multi-GW target for offshore wind capacity in a draft report on recently enacted legislation, AB 525
Signed into law in September 2021, AB 525 directed the CEC to set by 1 June 2022 clear offshore wind targets for the state for 2030 and 2045, and work with other agencies to develop a strategic plan by 20 June 2023 for offshore wind development.
Announced on 6 May 2022, the CEC’s preliminary offshore wind planning goals – 3 GW by 2030, 10-15 GW by 2045, and potentially up to 20 GW by 2050 – have been welcomed by industry representatives.
Offshore Wind California executive director Adam Stern said the targets, “Send an important signal to the industry and other state and federal agencies that California is committed to moving forward expeditiously to make offshore wind a reality. This includes the federal lease auction this fall and planning for ports, transmission, procurement, additional call areas, workforce development, and a sustainable supply chain to jumpstart California’s offshore wind industry.
“We recommended that the state set bold offshore wind goals of at least 3 GW by 2030, 10 GW by 2040, and 20 GW by 2050,” he said, “and these targets are now in the CEC draft report.
“California’s 2021 joint agency report concluded that to reach 100% clean energy by 2045, it will need a diverse renewables portfolio including offshore wind. The report’s SB 100 Core Scenario called for 10 GW of offshore wind by 2045, which would complement other renewables and save ratepayers US$1Bn in installed clean power capacity.”
Environment California Research & Policy Center state director Laura Deehan said, “The powerful winds off the Pacific coast are one of California’s largest untapped sources of renewable energy. This announcement means that we are really sailing towards a brighter, 100% renewable future.”
Environment America Research & Policy Center senior director campaign for renewable energy Johanna Neumann said, “The sooner we tap into America’s abundant offshore wind potential, the sooner we’ll have cleaner air and less global warming pollution. California set a goal for 100% clean energy and today’s step forward shows they are serious about hitting it.”
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates California’s technical offshore wind potential at 200 GW, with more than 20 GW in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM’s) two wind energy areas and three other planning areas.
NREL reported that developing 10 GW of offshore wind in California will support thousands of jobs, supply 15% of its current electricity needs, generate enough competitively priced power for at least 3.5 million homes, and produce US$20Bn in GDP by 2050.
