The California state legislature has passed a bill that could lead to the development of offshore wind farms off the US state’s coast.
The bill, which now goes to the California Governor Gavin Newsom for approval, would require the California Energy Commission by 1 June 2022 to evaluate and quantify maximum feasible capacity of offshore wind and planning goals the technology for 2030 and 2045.
The Commission would have to submit the plan before 30 June 2023.
The Commission, in coordination with specified agencies, would be tasked to work with stakeholders, state, local, and federal agencies, and the offshore wind energy industry to identify suitable sea space for wind energy areas in federal waters sufficient to accommodate the offshore wind planning goals for 2030 and 2045.
A plan to improve waterfront facilities that could support a range of floating offshore wind energy development activities is also mandated by the bill.
The bill would also require the commission, in consultation with the PUC and Independent System Operator, to assess the transmission investments and upgrades necessary to support the offshore wind planning goals.