The California Energy Commission (CEC) has adopted a report establishing offshore wind goals and moving the state one step closer to development of the clean energy resource off California’s coast.
Preliminary findings in the report set planning goals of 2,000-5,000MW of offshore wind by 2030 and 25,000MW by 2045. The CEC developed the report in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders including Tribal governments, fisheries and other ocean users. It is the first of several products the CEC must prepare to create a strategic plan for offshore wind energy development as required by Assembly Bill 525. CEC staff will next study the economic benefits of offshore wind in relation to seaport investments and workforce development needs. Staff will also create a roadmap to develop a permitting process for offshore wind energy facilities and associated electricity and transmission infrastructure. The entire plan must be submitted to the Legislature by June 2023.
