The California Energy Commission (CEC) has taken a significant stride towards the state’s vision of a 100 percent clean electricity future by approving a comprehensive strategic plan for offshore wind energy development. This initiative targets the harnessing of one of the state's largest untapped renewable resources.

The plan outlines the deployment of floating wind turbines along the central and northern coasts of California, with an ambitious goal of reaching 25,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2045, which is enough to power 25 million homes. This transformative plan is set to boost California's clean energy objectives, delivering substantial economic benefits across the state.

“Adopting this comprehensive strategic plan for offshore wind development marks yet another significant milestone in California’s journey to a 100 percent clean energy future," confirmed CEC Chair David Hochschild. "Offshore wind has the potential to accelerate the clean energy transition by providing a consistent, reliable source of clean electricity, supporting our ambitious climate goals, creating local manufacturing jobs and driving economic development. We are committed to harnessing this clean resource to ensure a sustainable energy future for all Californians.”

Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), said: “As we move forward with our plans to develop offshore wind energy in California, we are not only investing in renewable energy, but also in the future of our state's economy. Offshore wind will create thousands of new jobs for Californians, from manufacturing to maintenance, and build out a robust supply chain to support this growing industry,” He stated that their commitment to offshore wind will bring sustainable growth, reduce their carbon footprint, and secure a cleaner, brighter future for all Californians.

Importance of offshore wind

California's electricity grid currently relies on nearly 35,000 MW of renewable resources. To meet the 2045 goal, the state will need an additional 148,000 MW, requiring the development of both land and ocean spaces across various regions.

Offshore wind is particularly promising due to the strong, consistent winds off California’s coast, capable of generating vast amounts of electricity, especially when solar power is less effective, such as overnight and during winter. This complementary energy source enhances California’s renewable energy mix.

Offshore wind development is also poised to deliver significant economic benefits. A recent study forecasts the creation of over 8,000 jobs during peak development, many of which will be unionized, offering stable and well-paying employment opportunities.

The plan emphasizes responsible development, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize impacts on California Native American tribes, ocean users, and marine wildlife. Floating wind technology is favored for its suitability in deep waters, accessing stronger winds farther offshore and causing less environmental disturbance to the seabed.

Next steps and background

Following the adoption of the strategic plan, the CEC and partner agencies will continue discussions with tribal governments, underserved communities, fisheries, industry, environmental groups, and various agencies; and advance the recommendations and strategies developed in the plan.

This strategic plan is the final product mandated by Assembly Bill 525 (Chiu, Chapter 231, Statutes of 2021), created in coordination with multiple stakeholders including federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, and environmental groups.

It builds on three prior requirements of AB 525:

1. Establishing planning goals of 2,000 to 5,000 MW by 2030 and 25,000 MW by 2045.
   
   
2. Conducting a preliminary assessment of the economic benefits of offshore wind related to port investments and workforce development.
   
   
3. Creating a conceptual permitting roadmap.

Strategic plan

The highlights of the strategic plan include recommendations, economic and workforce development, enhanced grid reliability and resiliency; and community and stakeholder engagement.

Recommendations: Addressing marine impacts, workforce development, impacts to California Native American tribes, U.S. Department of Defense impacts, permitting, impacts to fisheries, port development, and transmission infrastructure.

Economic and workforce development: Attracting investment, creating high-quality job opportunities, and providing workforce development and supply chain opportunities for local, tribal, and underserved communities.

Enhanced grid reliability and resiliency: Improving the reliability and resilience of California's electricity system with offshore wind energy as a complementary source to other renewables like solar and hydropower.

Community and stakeholder engagement: Ensuring the responsible and sustainable development of offshore wind energy through ongoing engagement with California Native American tribes, local communities, industry, ocean users, and environmental and environmental justice organizations.