The Port of Long Beach has received $20 million from the California Energy Commission to support the development of Pier Wind, a proposed 400-acre terminal for assembling and deploying floating offshore wind turbines.

The port will contribute an additional $11 million to cover engineering, environmental, business planning, and community outreach, as part of the state’s Offshore Wind Energy Waterfront Facility Improvement Program. The $4.7 billion facility is intended to help California reach its goal of generating 25 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2045, enough to power 25 million homes.

Pier Wind would serve as a staging, storage, and assembly site for some of the world’s largest offshore wind turbines, which would then be towed 20 to 30 miles offshore to Central and Northern California wind lease areas. Construction could begin as early as 2027, with the first 200 acres operational by 2031 and the remaining 200 acres completed by 2035.

State and local leaders emphasized the project’s economic benefits. A preliminary report estimates Pier Wind could create over 6,000 jobs, generate $8 billion in labor income, $14.5 billion in economic output, and $1.3 billion in state and local taxes through 2045.

Funding comes from Proposition 4, a 2024 climate bond measure allocating $475 million for port infrastructure linked to offshore wind. Additional funds will be sought as the state releases further Proposition 4 allocations.

Officials highlighted the project’s broader impacts. “Our Pier Wind project will ensure California’s offshore wind energy goals are achieved,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “This funding will enhance the nation’s energy independence and strengthen the electric grid.”

The project is currently undergoing environmental review at the local, state, and federal levels, with community input ongoing. A 2024 bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom allows the port to use alternative construction methods to streamline development. The port has also partnered with the California State Lands Commission and other ports to coordinate permitting, environmental justice, and workforce development strategies.