The California Energy Commission (CEC) has taken a significant step forward with its adoption of the Strategic Plan under Assembly Bill 525, aiming to develop 25 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power by 2045 to bolster the state's renewable energy goals.
The AB 525 Strategic Plan encompasses comprehensive assessments and recommendations covering marine resources, sea-space planning, tribal engagement, fishery relations, permitting, workforce development, port infrastructure, and transmission.
“The approved plan outlines a pathway to scale up the offshore wind economy, advance port infrastructure upgrades, and facilitate transmission investments, reinforcing the crucial role of central procurement to spur these investments,” stated Molly Croll, Pacific offshore wind director of the American Clean Power Association (ACP).
Under AB 525, enacted in 2021, the CEC was directed to establish offshore wind objectives for 2030 and 2045. In response, the Commission set a bold target of achieving 25GW of offshore wind capacity by 2045, aligning with California's broader ambition to achieve 100% clean energy by the same year.
Vice president of strategic communication at Oceantic Network, Sam Salustro, emphasized the significance of the plan: “Floating offshore wind provides reliable clean energy at the scale needed for California's clean energy transition. Already, California's ambitious goal to deploy 25GW of offshore wind by 2045 has positioned the state as a global leader in this emerging energy sector.”
The strategic offshore wind plan, now slated for submission to the California Natural Resources Agency and the Legislature, underscores California's commitment to fostering a sustainable offshore wind industry and meeting its climate objectives.
“We commend the California Energy Commission for its leadership in planning toward 25 GW of offshore wind by 2045,” Croll added. “ACP-CA stands ready to work with the State of California and all stakeholders on timely implementation of this plan to build out the offshore wind industry sustainably and to achieve our climate goals.”
The CEC's strategic approach includes prioritizing immediate investments in port and transmission infrastructure, ensuring a consistent pipeline of projects, and targeting globally competitive local supply chain investments, thereby advancing California's position as a global hub for offshore wind innovation.
The Oceantic Network and its West Coast Supplier Council expressed gratitude to the CEC for laying the groundwork for offshore wind in California and eagerly anticipate translating the final AB 525 report into actionable initiatives.
