BOEM California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force | Updated May 2022
Another engaging session with BOEM as the focus moved from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast and opportunities off the California coast.
There’s a renewed sense of purpose evident in BOEM as they assess the US potential for offshore renewables, and in particular, offshore wind.
The day-long Intergovernmental task force session took a deep dive into the region in providing an update as to where it is now, and some of the challenges and opportunities emerging within it.
Director Amanda Lefton outlined five key points
· The Climate Threat
· Jobs Well paying and unionised, with benefits throughout the entire supply chain
· Scientific underpinnings of all output with BOEM critical role in facilitating
· Robust engagement including first nation input
· Transparency
The session focussed on the West Coast and especially the frontrunner area of 399 sq miles at Morro Bay. Recent wild -fires led Governor Newsome to write last week and call for an acceleration of the energy transition and it is pleasing to see the Defense department bot engaging and supportive of the wider aspiration as areas are proactively de-risked.
Offshore development areas are being refined and extended and clarifying questions and answers collated. BOEM stress that interested individuals will be provided an opportunity to ask clarifying question on the topic of the OCS Wind Energy Leasing process in California.
As with the recent BOEM Gulf of Mexico: Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force a lively question and answer session addressed questions consultations, community benefits and further exploration of supply chain and local opportunities and a hope that the US's stop start offshore wind journey may now be gaining momentum.
Update May 2022
Floating Wind technology is in the running as further north in Oregon and onthe Eastern Mid-Atlantic seabord
Join with me and over 2400 stakeholders at the Offshore Wind and Hydrogen Professionals Group.
