California Adopts Renewable Energy Goals to Power more than 25 Million Homes
This week, The California Energy Commission (CEC) adopted a set of goals that will enable the state to develop clean energy through offshore wind. The Offshore Wind Energy Development off the California Coast report goes on to outline how this offshore wind development is expected to generate 2,000-5,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind by 2030, and should increase to 25,000 MW by 2045. Assuming the state hits these goals, that would be enough electricity to power 3.75 million homes by 2030 and 25 million homes by mid-century.
The abstract of the report directly from the CEC says the following:
“The law directs that on or before June 1, 2022, the California Energy Commission (CEC) shall “evaluate and quantify the maximum feasible capacity of offshore wind to achieve reliability, ratepayer, employment, and decarbonization benefits and shall establish megawatt offshore wind planning goals for 2030 and 2045.” This report addresses these requirements. Furthermore, it discusses the potential for offshore wind energy development in federal waters off the California coast to provide a new source of electricity generation, add technology diversity to the state’s renewable energy and zero-carbon resource portfolio, and help California meet its ambitious climate and energy goals.”
The California Energy Commission notes that California is home to some of the best offshore wind resources in the United States, and that this new law could play a crucial role in helping the state to achieve 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality. Achieving carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy is part of California’s state directive and policies. CEC Chair David Hochschild, said:
“These ambitious yet achievable goals are an important signal of how committed California is to bringing the offshore wind industry to our state. This remarkable resource will generate clean electricity around the clock and help us transition away from fossil fuel-based energy as quickly as possible while ensuring grid reliability.” - David Hochschild, CEC Chair.
How does wind energy work? Well, according to the U.S. department of Energy,
Wind power or wind energy describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water), or can be converted into electricity by a generator.
In terms of next steps, the CEC shared that CEC staff will next study the economic benefits of offshore wind in relation to seaport investments and workforce development needs. Staff will also create a roadmap to develop a permitting process for offshore wind energy facilities and associated electricity and transmission infrastructure. The entire plan must be submitted to the Legislature by June 2023.
