Latest News
July 9, 2024: Job opening for senior energy policy analyst
We are seeking an experienced professional with an energy policy, energy markets, and/or electric power background to join our offshore wind energy team. The candidate selected for this position will help lead offshore wind research and analysis, with a focus on energy policy, electricity markets, and/or grid integration of offshore wind energy. The Schatz Center is a leader in research and policy analysis related to offshore wind development on the U.S. West Coast. Our dynamic team works closely with state and federal policy makers, and the analysis carried out through this position has potential to help shape policy and regulatory strategy. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The first round of review will be based on applications received by Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 5 pm (Pacific). Download the full job announcement
May 14, 2024: Introducing the POWC…
The Pacific Offshore Wind Consortium (POWC) is a joint effort between three research centers: the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt, the Pacific Marine Energy Center at Oregon State University, and the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Together, these universities are housed in and support the coastal communities in California and Oregon which are anticipated to host floating offshore wind development. The POWC (pronounced pow-sea) will enable universities, host communities, and Tribal nations to share resources, co-develop best practices, and design comprehensive research programs that reflect the dynamic nature of the ocean environment and the diversity of community perspectives.
The consortium will advance three pillars: (i) research and innovation, (ii) university-level workforce education and professional development, and (iii) community and Tribal engagement and knowledge exchange.
Learn more at POWC.us…
Are you attending the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit this week in Sacramento? Join us for a reception on Tuesday evening (May 14, 2024) to learn more about the POWC! The reception will be held from 6-7 pm at the Glides Restaurant in the Sheraton Grand (1230 J Street, across the street from the SAFE Convention Center). Beer, wine, and light refreshments will be offered. Many thanks to RWE Offshore Wind and Vineyard Offshore for hosting this reception.
If you’re interested in receiving updates on our newly released reports and upcoming events, please email us at windstudies@schatzcenter.org.
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.
Our research
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
Resources
Offshore wind and transmission infrastructure in northwestern CA: March 25, 2024
Transmission analyses: slide decks from recent presentations
- American Association of University Women: February 2, 2024
- Tribal Offshore Wind Summit: January 30, 2024
Seabirds in 3D: a new framework for assessing collision vulnerability with floating offshore wind: April 27, 2023
Transmission alternatives for California north coast offshore wind: May 25, 2022
- Video recording
- Slides: California North Coast Offshore Wind — An Introduction
- Slides: California North Coast Offshore Wind — Transmission Alternatives
- Download the reports
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)
