Domestic and international companies are looking to California’s offshore wind energy potential, as the first phases of a federal leasing process are put in place.

Photo credit: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind

According to a report published by American Jobs Project, the state’s first leasing round for offshore wind projects could be launched as early as 2020.

Theoretically, up to 112 GW of offshore wind energy could be installed along the California coastline, said the report.

American Jobs Project added that floating offshore wind technology is better suited for California offshore wind projects, due to its deep waters.

Looking to capitalise on California’s potential, Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) and Castle Wind have proposed projects off the coast of Humboldt County and San Luis Obispo County, respectively.

Still, American Jobs Project said that growing California’s offshore wind industry will require comprehensive logistics and holistic planning efforts at the state, federal and international levels.

The report assessed the current challenges and opportunities for offshore wind development. Among the policy recommendations, American Jobs Project suggested that port planning and upgrades will be critical to support the development of offshore wind projects.

americanjobsproject.us

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