The California perspective

Climate change effects such as wildfires, coastal erosion, water shortage, and rising temperatures are increasingly becoming factors defining California lives. The way we generate our energy also needs to change. Offshore wind is very complementary to other renewable energy sources in the California energy system, thus helping the state attain its ambitious goals for transitioning to 100 percent clean energy.

Leadership for the climate crisis

Offshore wind energy has become a key cornerstone of global efforts to decarbonize electricity production. Under SB 100, a landmark state law enacted in 2018, California established an ambitious target of 100 percent of retail electricity supply to be produced with renewable and zero-carbon resources by 2045. Offshore wind will play a key role in this energy mix because its generation profile peaks in the evening, just when solar power vanishes each day and new renewable capacity is most needed.

Lessons learned

California has set a goal of installing 25 GW of offshore wind generation by 2045. The first 5 GW of large-scale projects are now in the lease process and could be deployed as early as 2032. This will bring new green energy, new jobs and more opportunities. However, it is important that California’s switch to offshore wind power goes smoothly.

CADEMO will allow California to get it right before the big industrial boom starts with hundreds of turbines. A pilot project in California will have the ability to provide real evidence, allow environmental testing and implement mitigation measures on actual turbines in relevant ocean ecosystems on the Central Coast. CADEMO will also pave the way for local industry and jobs.