Floating offshore wind is coming to the U.S. West Coast. California has committed to going big on offshore wind, and to moving forward with both speed and scale to responsibly develop this remarkable renewable resource as an important part of the Golden State's clean energy future.
Last year, we held a very successful Pacific Offshore Wind Summit in San Francisco on March 28-30, 2022, bringing together more than 600 state and federal officials, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. That business meeting on the Bay played a key role in helping to mobilize supporters and momentum for California's adoption of ambitious offshore wind planning goals - to generate up to 5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and a nation-leading 25 GW by 2045.
It also set the stage for the first-ever federal lease auctions for floating offshore wind off California's coast on December 6-7, identifying five leaseholders who stand ready to make the big investments necessary to develop California's initial lease areas and realize offshore wind's very substantial climate, clean energy, and jobs benefits.
This year, we're convening our next Pacific Offshore Wind Summit on May 8-10 in Sacramento, the center of the state's policymaking, as the California Energy Commission (CEC) works with other policy leaders to prepare a full Strategic Plan for developing offshore wind - due by June 30 per the landmark AB 525 law. To be successful, this plan must identify suitable sea space for the state's 25 GW goal, necessary transmission, and port infrastructure, an efficient and comprehensive process for permitting, and stakeholder engagement to protect cultural and marine resources.
The Pacific Offshore Wind Summit 2023 will explore what this means for the offshore wind industry and how the U.S. West Coast states can stay on track to establish a sustainable floating wind industry and supply chain that will generate jobs and economic development for decades. We'll also take a look at how California can become a global leader and hub for floating offshore wind development, jobs, and expertise - in the Pacific Rim region and beyond.
Join us at the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit to get the latest on siting, permitting, ports, procurement, transmission, and environmental issues; explore floating wind technology advances; get briefed on federal and state offshore wind policies; and better understand the road map ahead.
Program Preview
We are building out a dynamic, two-day program full of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Here is a snapshot of some of the questions our program and speakers will address:
- Can more efficient, timely siting and permitting accelerate deployments for the leaseholders?
- What new call areas are needed to meet the state's planning goal of 25 GW of offshore wind by 2045? How will offshore wind work with other clean power sources to meet California's 100% renewable energy and carbon-reduction goals? What about the offshore power needs of other West Coast states?
- Can current transmission, interconnection, and power-procurement challenges be addressed economically and in time for this new offshore wind industry?
- What are the best practices for engaging key stakeholders, including environmentalists, Tribes, labor, commercial fishers, and indigenous peoples to ensure their interests are fully considered?
- What infrastructure and workforce initiatives can support local manufacturing, supply-chain expansion, port upgrades, and training programs to prepare workers for these new jobs?
We look forward to seeing you in Sacramento.
