The California Energy Commission has adopted a plan to develop a floating wind farm off the state’s central and northern coasts. The goal is to power 25 million homes by 2045 with over 1,600 turbines located at least 20 miles off Humboldt Bay in Northern California and Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County. This initiative is part of the state’s push for carbon neutrality by 2045. The plan, which was finalized after a two-year strategic process mandated by the passage of AB 525, aims to address the urgency of the climate crisis and reduce the state’s reliance on traditional power sources.
Private companies will be responsible for developing the turbine sites, while state and local agencies will focus on developing necessary infrastructure such as ports and grids. The turbines will be constructed on floating platforms anchored to the seabed, with energy transported through electrical cables to either offshore or onshore substations. Despite concerns about potential environmental impacts and costs associated with offshore wind energy production, the plan outlines steps to ensure responsible development and address stakeholder concerns.
Overall, the plan serves as a roadmap for offshore wind development in California, highlighting the need for collaboration between state agencies and private entities to achieve the state’s renewable energy goals. The project is set to be a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. “Inevitable risks and impacts cannot be avoided.”
However, some individuals showed their support for the proposal, stating that it would bolster other environmentally friendly energy endeavors.
“Floating offshore wind, which produces consistent and reliable power day and night, will play a crucial role in complementing other sustainable energy sources like solar, ensuring a robust and secure clean energy future for all Californians,” said Adam Stern, executive director of Offshore Wind California, in a statement released shortly after the decision.
Matt McGregor contributed to the report.
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