A group of companies that includes Equinor, Magellan Wind and Principle Power have launched an offshore wind group in California.
One of the first actions by Offshore Wind California (OWC) has been to propose a minimum state goal of 10GW of offshore wind by 2040 to help the state become totally reliant on clean energy by 2045.
Offshore Wind California (OWC) will provide industry expertise, and a “dedicated voice” for offshore wind in the west coast US state and said it is committed to leading the promotion of “responsible and sustainable” deployment of offshore wind power in the state’s energy system.
The founding member companies of the group are Aker Solutions, Equinor, Magellan Wind, Mainstream Renewable Power, Northland Power, Orsted and Principle Power, along with non-profit Pacific Ocean Energy Trust (POET).
Representatives of the OWC, who gathered at the Pacific Rim Offshore Wind conference, cited advances in floating platform technology and declining costs.
OWC executive director Adam Stern said: “It’s time for California, a renewable energy leader with one of the world’s best offshore wind resources, to stake its claim to the growing benefits of offshore wind, including jobs, economic development, lower emissions, and potential savings for ratepayers.”
Stern has experience with California environmental and renewable energy issues and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates California’s technical potential for offshore wind is 112GW, including up to 8.4GW in the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s three designated call areas.
While deeper West Coast waters require floating technologies, the technology is now being deployed in various markets around the world.
NREL estimates that building 10GW of offshore wind power in California could create 18,000 jobs and generate $20bn in gross domestic product by 2050.
Orsted head of new markets Sunny Gupta said: “California is committed to 100% power from renewable energy by 2045.
“Offshore wind is critical to reach this mark, and will create jobs and green growth.
“It’s an ideal complement to existing renewable resources, with steady and powerful winds that grow even stronger after sunset.”