California commission seeks comments on offshore wind port development program

The California Energy Commission is seeking comments on its docket regarding the Proposition 4 Offshore Wind Port Development program, which will award $183 million in grant funding.

Comments are due May 22 in the first of two public comment periods. A March 17 workshop kicked off the public engagement process, which opened the 60-day comment period on the program's development.

"Before offshore wind generation projects can begin, there's a need to construct ports that can accommodate the large and heavy components associated with offshore wind," said Daphne Milon, CEC's program specialist.

"Additionally, the vessels that will tow these components to future offshore wind generation sites will also be large ad ports may need deeper and wider channels. The Climate Bond enables California ports to transition from their current state, which is moving much smaller goods, like 20-foot containers or vehicles, to the specialized application of offshore wind."

A second comment period will follow once the CEC has developed the draft solicitation, Milon said, adding that the CEC aims for the second half of the year, but that timing will depend on the nature of comments received on the program development.

"In order to draft the solicitation, we are seeking public input on the program to inform approaches and priorities," Molin said.

California has a goal of 90% renewables and zero-carbon electricity by 2035 and 100% by 2045.

The Climate Bond

Proposition 4, also known as the Climate Bond, was approved by voters in November 2024 and includes support for offshore wind port development.

The CEC's Proposition 4 Wind Port Development Program includes $183 million available through a competitive grant solicitation process focused on activities related to developing offshore wind generation, including construction for manufacturing, assembly, staging, and integration; expansion and improvement to accommodate ships; and upgrades to port facilities.

"We're thinking about the types of projects that we can fund with [a] $183 million appropriation," Milon said. "So, while that is a significant among of funding, it is also a fraction of what is needed to fully build an offshore wind port. So, ultimately, the POPD program can advance port readiness by enabling shovel-ready projects, which reduces the risk for private investors, especially for early-stage planning activities."

The CEC is considering ways to break down the various phases of port readiness to allocate an appropriate level of funding based on need and the activities completed to date, she added.

"This stepwise approach can help make it clear to investors what has been completed and what activities remain," Molin said.

Types of ports

"Ports are essential for developing a new offshore wind industry," said Lizzie Barminski, a CEC program specialist.

There are currently three types of ports:

• Staging and integration sites
• Manufacturing and fabrication sites
• Operations and maintenance

An assessment determined that no single port could meet all of California's potential offshore wind infrastructure needs, and a multi-port approach was proposed, Barminski said.