Here are a few things I learn.
The success of the first offshore wind project in California would be critical to pave the way for future projects.
Dialogue was kickstarted in 2016 by Trident Wind’s unsolicited federal lease request. After the public comment period ended in January 2019, BOEM will delineate Wind Energy Areas subject to environmental analysis, followed by a leasing process.
Stakeholders have different perspectives on the size of the first offshore wind farm in California. Some want a pilot-scale project to assess its environmental impact and verify its feasibility, while others push for a relatively large-scale project to be cost-effective in the energy market.
This publication shows the projection of California offshore wind development from 2019 to 2045 under two scenarios: status quo policy scenario and strategic growth policy. The main difference is policy intervention such as military use stance and state support.
This publication also lists the models from other offshore wind projects that can be learned and adjusted to California offshore wind projects. For instance, California governor could assign an offshore wind Czar who can appoint an California fisheries liaison, establish a public art fund for community education and cultural programs, develop an offshore wind tourism program, and even sponsor an offshore wind hackathon or pitch competition.
In addition, information about the energy market in California and new renewable technology is provided. For example, municipal utilities like Los Angeles Department of Water and Power procure land-based wind power, and large corporations like Google buy future land-based wind production from producers through power purchase agreement, direct ownership, and renewable energy certificate. Airborne wind is another option to harness wind energy by deploying flying blades or wings that are mounted with an onboard generator or tethered to a generator on the ground. One of leading developers of airborne wind developers is Alphabet subsidiary Makani.
Because offshore wind development is new to California, the state needs more informed perspectives on current research and a vision of future research. There are needs of comprehensive spatial analysis for environmental sensitivity, and studies to identify and weigh non-monetary variables like environmental impacts into the planning process.
Although this is not a peer-review publication, it provides some prospective of offshore wind development in California and gets me thinking my role in making Cal Poly a critical player in renewable development.