The California Energy Commission (CEC) has allocated USD 20 million (approximately EUR 17 million) to the Port of Long Beach for the development of Pier Wind, a proposed USD 4.7 billion (approx. EUR 4 billion) terminal intended to support the floating wind industry.
The grant, provided through the Offshore Wind Energy Waterfront Facility Improvement Program, utilizes state bond funding. The Port of Long Beach will match USD 11 million (approx. EUR 9.5 million) for engineering, environmental, business planning, and community outreach to kickstart Pier Wind’s construction.
Planned as a hub for assembling and deploying floating offshore wind turbines, Pier Wind supports California’s goal of producing 25 GW of offshore wind energy by 2045.
“California’s offshore wind energy goals cannot be achieved without onshore development at port facilities like Pier Wind, which will create thousands of manufacturing jobs across the U.S.,” said Frank Colonna, Long Beach Harbor Commission President. “We are grateful for this state funding to make offshore wind a part of California’s energy portfolio.”
Funding is sourced from Proposition 4, a climate bond measure approved in 2024, earmarking USD 475 million (approx. EUR 409 million) for port infrastructure projects aiding offshore wind development. The Port of Long Beach plans to seek further Proposition 4 funds for Pier Wind as they become available.
The Pier Wind project is undergoing comprehensive environmental reviews by regulatory agencies while the Port gathers community input, announced on 8 October.
Construction of the 400-acre terminal could start in 2027, with the first 200 acres operational by 2031 and the remainder by 2035.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill last year to streamline Pier Wind’s design and development, permitting the Port of Long Beach to use alternative construction methods.
In 2024, the CEC finalized a strategic plan for offshore wind energy, authorized by Assembly Bill 525, highlighting the necessity of ports like Long Beach as assembly and staging sites for wind turbines.
The California State Lands Commission and the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt signed a memorandum in December 2024 to collaborate on permitting, community engagement, environmental justice, clean energy strategies, and Native American Tribal consultation to advance offshore wind deployment and workforce development.
Earlier this year, Assembly Bill 472 was introduced in California’s legislature, adding an assessment of funding opportunities for offshore wind port infrastructure to the Governor’s Five-Year Infrastructure Plan.
The California Legislature approved Proposition 4 funds for offshore wind port development in the SB 105 budget bill this September, allocating USD 225.7 million (approx. EUR 194 million) to enhance port infrastructure for offshore wind development along the state’s coast.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz