The U.S. state of Oregon has released a draft roadmap setting out potential pathways for offshore wind development along its coastline.
The plan, developed by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development since June 2024, stops short of recommending whether the state should pursue offshore wind projects.
Instead, the department said the document “outlines the conditions, processes, and standards from which it could proceed responsibly while protecting the interests of coastal communities, federally recognized tribes in Oregon (tribes), fisheries, and ecosystems while advancing Oregon’s clean energy and climate goals.”
The roadmap evaluates four possible futures: large-scale offshore wind deployment, limited pilot projects, economic participation without hosting turbines, and opting out of the sector entirely.
Under the large-scale scenario, Oregon could develop between 1 gigawatt and 3 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity. Due to the deep waters off the U.S. West Coast, any projects would require floating turbine technology.
Another pathway would see the state engage in offshore wind through supply chain activity, port services, and research and development without installing turbines in its own waters.
The state has opened a public comment period on the draft roadmap that will run through April 3.
