The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has finalised the decision to establish an initial target of 7.6 GW for offshore wind energy procurement. These projects are anticipated to be operational between 2031 and 2037. Wind Farms off the coast of California will be floating wind farms, due to water depths. This initiative aligns with the state’s goal of deploying 25 GW of offshore wind by 2045.
Furthermore, OWC (Offshore Wind California) emphasised that this interim goal is crucial for building the supply chain and achieving economies of scale necessary for the offshore wind industry. This decision follows the passage of AB 1373 in 2023, a legislative act that paved the way for large-scale clean energy procurement, including offshore wind projects.
This announcement closely follows the California Energy Commission’s endorsement of a strategic offshore wind plan, which outlines essential actions such as upgrading port infrastructure and enhancing workforce training. Moreover, a $10 billion climate bond measure, which allocates $475 million for port improvements, will be presented to voters as Proposition 4 in November.
