Offshore wind energy

Aerial image of south Humboldt Bay and its jetties, extending into the Pacific

Latest News

If you’re interested in receiving updates on our newly released reports and upcoming events, please email us at windstudies@schatzcenter.org.

Our latest offshore wind reports:

Internships and professional development

October 2025: We have updated our list of internship and professional development opportunities in the offshore wind sector. If you would like to receive update notices or would like to add your opportunity to upcoming lists, please contact our POWC team.

POWC Offshore Wind Webinar Series

No current upcoming webinars.

A closeup of an albatross flying above the ocean

Our research

Download the reports

In 2019, our team began conducting a range of studies to assess the feasibility of offshore wind development for the region off Humboldt Bay, California. Our first 24 studies included energy generation and transmission; economics and job development; port and coastal infrastructure; environmental and geological systems; and community needs and goals for shared ocean resources.

In May 2021, we completed a preliminary feasibility assessment for Del Norte County.

In March of 2022, we completed an updated transmission study that looked at generation potential within current infrastructure constraints.

In January 2023, we released an analysis of Competitive Offshore Wind Leases on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

In October 2023, we released updated and expanded transmission analyses for Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Partners

Key collaborators on our offshore wind studies include:

  • American Bureau of Shipping
  • H.T. Harvey and Associates
  • MARE
  • Mott MacDonald
  • Moffat & Nichol
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
  • Pacific Gas & Electric
  • Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL)
  • Principle Power
  • Quanta Technology

Funding

Our research, community engagement, and student training programs are funded by:

  • California Energy Commission
  • California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
  • California Ocean Protection Council
  • Redwood Region Climate and Community Resilience Hub
  • Private donors

Interested to contribute to our offshore wind programs? Please contact us to learn about ways you can engage.

 

A dredge ship and small fishing boat in the mouth of Humboldt Bay)

Presentation resources

Offshore Wind Jobs: Preparing Northern California Tribes and Local Communities: November 12, 2025
Permitting for Offshore Wind Port Infrastructure Projects: July 10, 2025
Offshore Grid Connection: Cable Laying and Monitoring: May, 2025
West Coast Perspectives on Ocean Renewable Energy: February 25, 2025
Seabirds in 3D: a framework to evaluate collision vulnerability in future offshore wind developments: September 24, 2024

Offshore wind and transmission infrastructure in northwestern CA: March 25, 2024

Transmission analyses: slide decks from recent presentations

Transmission alternatives for California north coast offshore wind: May 25, 2022

Exploring the Feasibility of Offshore Wind Energy for the CA North Coast

In the fall of 2020, our team hosted a series of five webinar workshops on the feasibility of offshore wind energy development on California’s north coast.

In each webinar, we shared topical findings from our recently conducted studies, followed by a moderated panel discussion, and then a community Q&A.

Energy Production and Delivery, and Economic Development (9/14/20)

Ecological and Geological Environment (9/21/20)

Port and Coastal Infrastructure (9/28/20)

Community Perspectives on Regional Impacts and Opportunities (10/5/20)

Reflections and Next Steps (10/19/20)

 

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