The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has voted in favour of procuring up to 7600MW of floating offshore wind.
The commission’s proposed initial need determination under Assembly Bill 1373, directing the Department of Water Resources to procure electrical resources with long lead times, such as offshore wind.
Oceantic Network founder and chief executive Liz Burdock (pictured) said: “The California Public Utilities Commission today contributed major momentum to the state’s offshore wind market, determining a need for 7.6GW of centralised offshore wind procurement.
“The CPUC’s plan also involves laying out a predictable timeline of demand that will boost supplier confidence in the market and foster new investments into infrastructure.
“This is a critical step towards creating a supply chain capable of meeting California’s ambitious 25GW of floating offshore wind deployment target.
“Today’s decision, along with other important actions taken recently by California’s various executive branch agencies, signals a firm commitment to the development of floating offshore wind.
“This action will help attract needed investments and resources to ensure the state can build offshore wind out by its desired timelines and at a cost that will provide ratepayer stability over the long term.”