The California State Lands Commission and the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt have signed an agreement to advance floating offshore wind development on the California coast.
The comprehensive framework will facilitate critical port infrastructure upgrades needed to support the sector, according to trade group Offshore Wind California.
The ports of Long Beach and Humboldt are actively developing terminals to assemble wind turbines on floating platforms that would be towed to installation areas 20-30 miles offshore of Humboldt County and Morro Bay.
The ports have been identified in the California Energy Commission’s Offshore Wind Strategic Plan as key sites necessary for the successful deployment of floating offshore wind in California.
State Controller and Lands Commission Chair Malia M. Cohen said: “This important agreement parlays the foundations of offshore wind energy development – environmental protection, equity, public engagement, and the economy – into a partnership that leads the way toward a clean energy future.”
Lieutenant Governor and State Lands Commissioner Eleni Kounalakis said: “This agreement is a monumental step forward in California’s clean energy journey.
“It underscores our commitment to developing offshore wind responsibly, sustainably, and equitably, while uplifting Native American tribes, local communities, and underserved populations.”
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said: “This agreement, combined with the climate bond recently approved by California voters and the state’s commitment to procure up to 7.6 gigawatts of energy from offshore wind by 2035, gives the industry and California ports the confidence to invest in Long Beach’s Pier Wind and other complementary projects and create thousands of good-paying jobs.”
The Commission and ports will also collaborate to align staging and integration site development with broader offshore wind considerations, such as transmission, power purchasing, workforce development, manufacturing, and other supply chain developments, science and technology innovations, and sea space leasing.
Humboldt Harbor District Executive Director Chris Mikkelsen said: “May this promise invite all interested and affected parties to engage, contribute, and join in unity to bring opportunity, strong environmental health, and leading economic development to our communities today and into the future.”