Winds of Change: Floating Offshore Wind Proposals off Washington's Coast

Harnessing the Pacific Breeze: Floating Offshore Wind Proposals in Washington State, Oregon, and California

As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, the Pacific Northwest and California are emerging as pivotal regions in the United States' renewable energy landscape. With their abundant wind resources and progressive environmental policies, Washington, Oregon, and California are now considering ambitious projects to harness wind power from the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean through floating offshore wind farms. But are there hidden costs that may impact our ocean, coasts, and communities?

The Promise of Offshore Wind

The concept of floating offshore wind farms involves placing turbines on floating platforms anchored to the seabed, allowing them to operate in deeper waters where traditional fixed-bottom turbines are impractical. This technology opens up vast expanses of previously untapped wind resources, potentially providing significant electricity generation capacity close to major coastal cities, just off the continental shelf. 

Washington State: Navigating the Process

The coastal waters off Washington offer strong, consistent wind speeds that make them ideal for generating renewable energy. Two proposals for floating wind projects are gaining momentum. Both aim to bring floating offshore wind farms to the coast of Grays Harbor County. Advocates argue that harnessing wind energy offshore could significantly contribute to Washington's ambitious renewable energy goals, which include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

A map of Hecate Winds proposed project area.  Read more here

A map of the proposed lease for the 2-GW Olympic Wind project (69 km off the coast) submitted by Trident Winds. Read more here

Oregon: Embracing Innovation

Further south in Oregon, a similar process is quickly unfolding. With its long coastline and strong winds, Oregon has the potential to become a hub for renewable energy innovation. Proposals are underway to explore the feasibility of floating wind projects along the Oregon coast, including areas near Coos Bay and Brookings.

Oregon's commitment to sustainability and its history of supporting renewable energy projects position it favorably for the development of floating offshore wind farms. Advocates emphasize the economic benefits, including job creation and increased revenue for coastal communities, while also highlighting the environmental advantages of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Opponents have been vocal in efforts to slow down the process, amplify local communities' concerns, and do more research before construction moves forward.

Read more here

California: Scaling Up Ambition

In California, known for its progressive environmental policies, the potential for floating offshore wind is part of a broader strategy to expand renewable energy sources. The state has set ambitious targets for renewable energy production, aiming to generate 100% of its electricity from clean sources by 2045. Floating offshore wind farms could play a crucial role in achieving these goals, particularly along the windy stretches of California's northern and central coasts.

Proposals are being explored to develop floating wind projects off the coast of Humboldt County and Morro Bay, leveraging the region's wind resources to generate substantial amounts of clean energy. Supporters argue that floating offshore wind farms could not only help California meet its renewable energy targets but also stimulate economic growth and provide a reliable source of electricity.  Opponents point out that there are huge questions and gaps around how large-scale industrial energy projects will affect its coast and ocean environment. 

Read more here

Surfrider’s Role

The Surfrider Foundation emphasizes the importance of ensuring that offshore wind projects do not harm marine life or degrade coastal ecosystems. We advocate for comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to study potential effects on marine mammals, birds, and fish populations. Additionally, we will insist developers engage with local communities in a meaningful way to address impacts on tribal communities, commercial and recreational fishing grounds, coastal and ocean recreation, and the unique natural beauty of our coast. 

Read Surfrider's statement on renewable ocean energy policy here

Potential Negative Impacts

One major concern is the disruption of marine habitats during the construction and operation phases. Noise from construction activities can disturb marine mammals. The installation of underwater cables and foundations could also impact sedimentation patterns and disrupt habitats for bottom-dwelling species. The impacts on natural processes, such as upwelling or the California current, are current-ly (get it?) unknown. 

Furthermore, the visual impact of offshore wind turbines on coastal vistas is a contentious issue. Some fear that sprawling wind farms could alter the natural beauty of coastal landscapes, impacting tourism and recreation. Shoreside landings for transmission cables could create beach access impacts.  Large-scale infrastructure and industrialization of ports could lead to dredge projects or development in shoreline habitats, however specific details and direct effects on Grays Harbor estuary (and recreational uses) might not be fully realized yet. Coastal fishermen are also raising many strong concerns about impacts on the health, viability, and logistics around maintaining their way of life and their regional economies.

Tribal Concerns and Opposition

Washington's coastal tribes have also voiced concerns and opposition to floating offshore wind proposals. Surfrider will always attempt to support and amplify the voices of tribes in these processes as well as firmly stand behind their rights of consultation and consent.  Axios reported recently about tribal concerns.

The Process

While the actual construction of the first floating wind turbine off our coast is years away, the process and scoping of these projects are well underway, including the initial effort of defining what a public-facing process should look like. Governor Inslee, along with several state agencies, is actively working to solicit feedback from impacted communities and stakeholders. Most notably, the Governor contracted a consulting firm called Gridworks to create a report that outlines the process and attempts to define the scope of unknown impacts, communities, and stakeholder groups and recommendations for state leaders who are looking for ways to navigate the complexities of industrializing our coastal waters. 

Read the Gridworks report 

Looking Ahead

As the Pacific Northwest navigates the uncharted waters of offshore wind development, stakeholders must collaborate closely to address concerns raised by environmental groups, local communities, fishermen, tribes, and other ocean users, as well as our long-term clean energy needs. Public participation and transparent decision-making processes will be essential in shaping a sustainable energy future that preserves the ecological health and cultural heritage of our coastal communities.

While offshore wind holds promise as a clean energy solution for the Pacific Northwest, thoughtful planning, rigorous environmental assessments, and an equitable distribution of costs and benefits are essential to ensuring that these projects deliver on their potential while safeguarding our oceans and coastlines for future generations. The coming years will undoubtedly be pivotal in determining how successfully we can harness the wind and other green energy sources while protecting the natural wonders that define our region. Surfrider will be at the forefront of this process to amplify and empower our coastal communities to ensure all voices are heard.