The California State Lands Commission has signed a pivotal agreement with the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt to promote floating offshore wind development along the California coast. This comprehensive framework aims to facilitate essential port infrastructure upgrades vital for the emerging offshore wind sector, as highlighted by the trade group Offshore Wind California.
Project Overview
The ports of Long Beach and Humboldt are actively developing terminals for assembling wind turbines on floating platforms. These platforms will be towed to installation sites located 20-30 miles offshore from Humboldt County and Morro Bay. Both ports have been identified in the California Energy Commission’s Offshore Wind Strategic Plan as key locations for the successful deployment of floating offshore wind in the state.
Statements from Leaders
State Controller and Lands Commission Chair Malia M. Cohen remarked, “This important agreement integrates the foundations of offshore wind energy development—environmental protection, equity, public engagement, and the economy—into a partnership that leads the way toward a clean energy future.”
Lieutenant Governor and State Lands Commissioner Eleni Kounalakis added, “This agreement is a monumental step forward in California’s clean energy journey. It underscores our commitment to developing offshore wind responsibly, sustainably, and equitably, while uplifting Native American tribes, local communities, and underserved populations.”
Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, stated, “This agreement, combined with the climate bond recently approved by California voters and the state’s commitment to procure up to 7.6 gigawatts of energy from offshore wind by 2035, gives the industry and California ports the confidence to invest in Long Beach’s Pier Wind and other complementary projects, creating thousands of good-paying jobs.”
Collaborative Efforts
The Commission and the ports will work together to align staging and integration site development with broader offshore wind considerations, including transmission, power purchasing, workforce development, manufacturing, and supply chain innovations. Chris Mikkelsen, Executive Director of the Humboldt Harbor District, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “May this promise invite all interested and affected parties to engage, contribute, and join in unity to bring opportunity, strong environmental health, and leading economic development to our communities today and into the future.”
Sources
- California State Lands Commission Press Release
- California Energy Commission Offshore Wind Strategic Plan
- Offshore Wind California Overview
