California plans to expand offshore wind generation by 25 GW by 2045

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has adopted a comprehensive strategic plan for the development of offshore wind energy, which remains a huge untapped energy resource for the state.

Renewable Energy World writes about it.

The plan includes analysis and strategies for deploying floating turbines off the state’s central and northern coasts to reach 25 GW of capacity by 2045, enough to power 25 million homes.

The floating wind turbine technology was chosen because it is particularly suited to deep water areas and offers a number of advantages, including the ability to access more powerful and stable wind resources at a greater distance from the shore and reduced environmental impact on the seabed.

Today, California’s grid has nearly 35 GW of renewable resources, but it is estimated that the state needs another 148 GW, which will likely require ocean development.

A recent study predicts that more than 8,000 jobs will be created during the peak of offshore wind development.