Offshore wind development in federal waters offshore of California
Coast is quickly becoming a reality. Construction is still underway
Operation is still many years away, according to the Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management (BOEM), is the federal agency of the U.S.
The Department of the Interior is charged with regulating offshore energy
Development has made several important steps in the past year
California’s federal waters are being opened to renewable energy
Energy development The agency has an opportunity for fall 2022.
It plans to hold its first lease sale during which renewable energy will be available.
Developers will be able to bid for the right of development
The state’s first offshore wind farm.
TWO CALIFORNIA AREAS DESIGNED FOR OFFSHOREWIND
DEVELOPMENT
BOEM has designated 2 areas off California’s northern.
For offshore wind development, the central coasts are ideal. The first area
The Humboldt Wind Energy Area was identified by the agency.
north California approximately 21 miles offshore from Eureka. Designated
This area covers approximately 206 sq miles and has the potential to grow in 2018.
If fully developed, it can generate up to 1.6 gigawatts of power (GW), which is enough to
Around 560,000 homes are powered by this power source. BOEM acquired one in January 2022.
Step closer to opening the area to development and being released a
Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) required by the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), evaluating potential
The environmental impact of granting leases to the Humboldt Wind
Energy Area. After the comment period has ended, the final EA will be completed.
BOEM makes a decision to move forward and releases the information.
Unless there is an underlying legal challenge, the agency may then begin.
Auctioning off leases in the region is the first of many final steps
Construction and generation must be completed before they can begin.
BOEM announced the Morro Bay as a second area in November 2021.
Wind Energy Area. The Morro bay Wind Energy Area consists of
California’s central coast is approximately 376 miles away
Because of its larger size, it is capable to generate 2.9 GW.
Enough energy to power more than 1,000,000 homes An EA
BOEM is currently engaged with a public
A scoping process and draft EA are scheduled for release later in the year.
spring.
Following BOEM’s review of environmental impact associated
With leasing and site characterization activities and assuming no
legal challenges, the Humboldt & Morro bay Wind Energy Areas will
Move into the lease issuance stage. BOEM plans to host a joint
Auction for both Wind Energy Areas and Wind Energy Areas. This auction is currently scheduled for fall
2022 and companies interested in developing offshore winds energy
These areas will be offered to the highest bidder. After the
Lessees will auction their lease areas, survey them and once they are sold, then
Once the site assessment phase has been completed, development can begin.
Forward into the construction and operation phases.
DEVELOPMENT CAN BE SUSPECTED TO FACE CHALLENGES
However, approval must first be given for any offshore wind project to be constructed.
Additional environmental review is required for energy facility
NEPA. BOEM will create a facility-specific Environmental
An Impact Statement is used to assess the specific environmental consequences
Construction and operation of facilities in the Humboldt or Morro
Bay Wind Energy Areas Agents will also accept submissions from developers
Approval, a detailed site evaluation, construction plan, and
Operations plan for their projects. Only once can the agency be established.
Construction can only be started if the plans are approved.
The challenge to the specific project.
There will be significant obstacles to progress. In
There are also logistical and technical challenges associated with
Developers, design and installation of offshore facilities
Investors and contractors will need help to navigate a number of obstacles.
Regulative challenges Marine Mammal Protection, for example.
These may be subject to the Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act.
projects. As well, the transmission of electricity via cables is possible.
To get power from the shore, it must pass through state waters
Upgrades to grid infrastructure and land-based substations for power
Developers of projects may need to have access to these and other land-based facilities.
You will need to obtain a range other federal, state and local permits
Permits can be attached to a BOEM lease. To illustrate, the BOEM lease can be accompanied by
Future projects will likely be subject to environmental review under NEPA.
In a range environmental impacts on state water and private waters
or public land, thus triggering compliance under the California
Environmental Quality Act, California Coastal Act, and Other
Regulation programs, as well State Lands Commission
jurisdiction is the land use authority of local governments.
Other environmental protection laws, including the federal, may also be possible
Endangered Species Acts in each state.
LEASE SALES IS A KEY STEP IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
DEVELOPMENT
It will take several years before there is an offshore wind,
California’s power grid can begin to receive energy.
BOEM’s fall 2022 lease sale is a significant step.
To tap into what a recently published National Renewable Energy
Laboratory reports estimate that there are more than 200 GW potential
California coast. As one GW can support
It is clear that offshore development could result in up to 350,000 homes
It promises to be an important contributor in the future
California’s energy portfolio.
This article is meant to be a guide.
guide to the subject matter Expert advice should be sought
Discuss your particular circumstances.