Posted on August 10, 2022
California policymakers approved the most ambitious offshore wind target this afternoon when the California Energy Commission (CEC) set a goal to deploy 25 GW of power generation by 2045. The planning goal came as the result of AB 525, signed into law last year, which directed the commission to “evaluate and quantify the maximum feasible capacity of offshore wind” and set a statewide goal. California’s goal is both the largest and furthest reaching offshore wind goal of any state—and is the first Pacific Coast state to set a tangible target.
The Business Network supported AB-525 (Chiu) in 2021 and the planning needed to deploy offshore wind in federal waters off the California coast. The Network has consistently called for California to work towards the maximum offshore wind goal based on NREL and other reports as well as advocated for setting significant goals that will provide industry confidence needed to encourage investments, developing a domestic supply chain.
The following statement was released by Liz Burdock, CEO and president of the Business Network for Offshore Wind:
“A new clean energy industry is born as California’s new offshore wind target will unlock affordable power for tens of millions of homes in need of reliable energy. The CEC’s approval of a robust Offshore Wind Planning goal of up to 25 GW by 2045 is the action the industry has pushed for more than five years. It also marks a significant moment in the path to develop a national floating offshore wind industry. The long-term certainty of a 2045 goal will help build investor confidence and attract investments in ports, vessels, and offshore wind manufacturing facilities along the Pacific coast.
I applaud Governor Newsom for calling for bold action and commend the CEC for its work delivering a powerful first implementation report.”
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Melinda Skea at melinda@offshorewindus.org or 202-709-9793.
The Business Network for Offshore Wind is the largest non-profit organization dedicated solely to building a robust offshore wind supply chain and expanding adoption of offshore wind energy. It advances the industry through collaboration, education, and innovation, including the International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF), the leading offshore wind conference in North America, and the OSW Market Dashboard. Learn more at offshorewindus.org.
