Laura Smith Morton’s Post

California Ports Strike Landmark Agreement on Floating Offshore Wind 18-12-2024 The California State Lands Commission has partnered with the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt in a groundbreaking agreement to accelerate floating offshore wind energy development along the California coast. This collaborative effort aims to expedite the deployment of large-scale floating wind farms in the state's coastal waters, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. The agreement not only facilitates the permitting process but also streamlines access to the necessary infrastructure and expertise. By simplifying the regulatory framework, the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt are committed to fostering a more conducive environment for floating offshore wind energy development. This forward-thinking approach will help address California's pressing energy needs while minimizing its carbon footprint. As the global maritime industry continues to evolve, innovative projects like this one are crucial for driving positive change. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and collaborative partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of the ocean's energy resources and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. 🌊💡🌴 Source: https://lnkd.in/dmy6PCuc #MaritimeIndustry #Sustainability #FloatingOffshoreWind #CaliforniaPorts #RenewableEnergy #OceanEnergy #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #MaritimeInnovation #GreenEnergyTransition

Australia’s first proposed offshore wind farm, Star of the South, is making waves with some incredible updates! After five years of feasibility studies and consultations, this transformative project has refined its design to enhance efficiency and minimise its environmental impact. A key update is the reduction of turbines from 200 to 150, a move made possible by advancements in hardware technology. This ensures the project can generate significant power while minimising its footprint. Turbines will be positioned to avoid sensitive marine habitats, with the gap between the ocean and turbine blades increased from 25 metres to 35 metres. Based on bird flight data, this adjustment creates a safer zone for seabirds, preserving biodiversity. The project aims to reduce underwater construction noise through cutting-edge technologies, ensuring better protection for marine life, particularly whales. Onshore, a “no trench” method for cable installation will safeguard the beach and dunes, while underground transmission routes are being adapted to meet updated VicGrid requirements. At full capacity, this 2.2 GW wind farm could generate enough electricity to power 1.2 million homes, inject an estimated $3 billion into the Gippsland economy, and create 200 long-term local jobs over its 30-year lifespan. “With Yallourn’s closure in 2028, we’re stepping up to secure Victoria’s energy future while creating real opportunities for Gippsland,” said CEO Charles Rattray. For the global wind industry, this project serves as a testament to the potential of offshore wind in delivering large-scale, reliable energy while respecting ecological boundaries. It is a shining example of what is possible when we combine cutting-edge technology with a commitment to protecting our planet. #renewableenergy #sustainability #starofthesouth #offshorewind #windfarm #windenergy #australia #gippsland #biodiversity #evoegy

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has initiated the environmental review for the Vineyard Northeast offshore wind project, a potential 2.6-GW development off the coast of Massachusetts. With a 45-day public comment period now open, this step marks progress towards the project's Construction and Operations Plan (COP) approval. Vineyard Northeast LLC aims to deploy up to 160 turbines approximately 29 miles from Nantucket, which could power over 900,000 homes. The project also includes plans for offshore export cables to Connecticut and Massachusetts alongside necessary onshore infrastructure. #RenewableEnergy #OffshoreWind #EnvironmentalReview #Massachusetts Link to the full story below: https://bit.ly/4cDvPZa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neeeco increases energy savings by making your homes energy-efficient. 🏠 ✅

Good or bad news for pelagic birds and other sea life? Next week the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will host an energy lease sale in 8 areas off the coast of New England: https://lnkd.in/e5GKNWFk I decided to explore how wind turbine sites are identified for lease. You can learn about the spatial planning process by watching this video: https://lnkd.in/egBrtiEH I was just at the Atlantic Coast, spending hours watching birds fly over sea. I don't know how many birds will fly in the future wind turbine zone because I don't know enough about offshore wind energy development. Hence my leading question: Is this lease sale good or bad news for wildlife, above and below the water's surface? And how will the impacts on marine life be detected, evaluated once the wind turbines are installed? If you have salient insight on this matter, please share it with me!

𝗨𝗦 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 The US State of Maine and the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) have agreed on a #floatingoffshorewind research lease in the Gulf of Maine, which could allow for the deployment of twelve #floatingwind turbines capable of generating 144 MW. The research lease site, an area of up to 15 square miles in federal waters nearly 30 miles southeast of Portland, will host the country’s first floating #offshorewind research array, according to the office of Governor Janet Mills. The research array is said to allow the state, the #fishing community, #wildlife experts, the offshore #windindustry, and others to conduct in-depth studies and evaluate #floatingoffshore wind as a #renewableenergy source in the Gulf of Maine region. Read the full article via https://lnkd.in/dbu7RKSC #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #OffshoreWind #OffshoreWindEnergy #WindEnergy #WindPower #FloatingWind #FloatingOffshoreWind #FloatingWindEnergy #NLintheUS

Oregon Offshore Wind Postponed: My Thoughts The news about Oregon postponing its offshore wind power lease auction is stirring up quite the debate. On one side, I understand the concerns raised by Gov. Kotek, coastal communities, and Native American tribes about the need for a more careful, inclusive process. On the other, I see the frustration from wind energy supporters who fear that Oregon might fall behind states like California in the race toward renewable energy. As someone in commercial real estate and passionate about sustainable development, I’m torn. I value the “Oregon way” of thoughtful planning and stakeholder engagement, but I also recognize the urgency of acting on climate change. I think there’s a balance to be struck here. We need to move forward with renewable energy, but in a way that addresses community concerns and stays true to Oregon’s values. What do you think? Is Oregon’s cautious approach the right move, or is it risking missed opportunities? https://lnkd.in/gswatAKq

Exciting developments are underway in California's floating offshore wind sector. We're thrilled to announce that we have confirmed another distinguished panel discussion for the upcoming 2024 Pacific Offshore Wind Summit, which is convening in Sacramento on May 13-15. This panel promises to unlock key insights into state and federal progress driving this transformative clean-energy industry forward. Panel Spotlight: Going Big on California Offshore Wind - State & Federal Progress & Direction Join us for a deep dive into the coordination efforts among state and federal agencies, particularly in light of the California Energy Commission’s draft AB 525 Offshore Wind Strategic Plan. Our expert panel will explore how California can foster a robust and sustainable offshore wind market to meet the state’s AB 525 planning goals. Get ready to gain important perspective and updates on timely permitting, siting, transmission development, interconnection, and effective community engagement. Moderated by Adam Stern, Executive Director of Offshore Wind California, our distinguished panelists include: ● Doug Boren, Pacific Regional Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ● Elizabeth Huber, Director, Siting, Transmission, and Environmental Protection, California Energy Commission ● Kevin Sligh Sr, MBA, CEM®, Sr., Director, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ● Joseph Street, Ph.D, Manager, Energy, Ocean Resources & Federal Consistency, California Coastal Commission Don't miss your chance to be part of this crucial conversation that will shape the future of floating offshore wind in California. See you in Sacramento! https://lnkd.in/d25UQdGJ #offshorewind #floatingwind #cleanenergy #renewables #climate #offshorewindca #pacificoffshorewindsummit

Read the article in the San Luis Obispo Tribune, “This SLO County beach town is considering an offshore wind port. What could it look like?,” by Stephanie Zappelli—September 9, 2024. “The sleepy, seaside town of Avila Beach used to be a bustling seaport — exporting oil from the Central Valley to the rest of the world. Now, the energy industry could soon return to the scenic seashore. The Port San Luis Harbor District will collaborate with Ventura-based company Clean Energy Terminals to study the potential of building an offshore wind port in San Luis Obispo Bay. The study will evaluate if the bay could accommodate an operations and maintenance port, which would serve as a hub for monitoring the offshore wind farm in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area and offer a place for maintenance vessels to dock, Port San Luis Harbor Director Suzy Watkins said... Clean Energy Terminals has not yet proposed an official design for the port, but the company does have ideas for how the facility may look and operate, company CEO Brian Sabina said… This port would be much smaller than the one sketched in a study developed by REACH Central Coast in 2022. That study evaluated the potential for building a staging and integration port in San Luis Obispo Bay. Ports that large are now being considered for Long Beach or Humboldt but would not be built on the Central Coast…” Read the full story below and at this link. https://lnkd.in/gf4A3sJi #offshorewind #floatingwind #cleanenergy #renewables #climate #offshorewindca #pacificoffshorewindsummit

Panel—Investing in Multi-Port Strategy at 2024 Pacific Offshore Wind Summit We're excited to share a preview of another distinguished panel discussion we have confirmed for the upcoming 2024 Pacific Offshore Wind Summit, which convenes in Sacramento on May 13-15. California's ports are an important keystone for the state’s economic growth and development, and they will play a critical role in the success of the floating offshore wind sector. This panel will unlock key insights on the need for investments in California’s seaport facilities and a multi-port strategy to drive this transformative clean-energy industry forward. In January, we heard the news that Humboldt Bay Harbor was awarded a $426 million federal grant to upgrade port infrastructure for offshore wind on the North California Coast. To the south, the Port of Long Beach is moving forward with its Pier Wind project, a 400-acre facility to support floating wind deployment at a projected cost of $4.7 billion. These are exciting developments, but what are next steps and where will the public and private funding be sourced? Panel Spotlight: Investing in Seaport Facilities and Planning a Multi-Port Infrastructure Strategy. Join us for a deeper dive into the initial investments being targeted to develop facilities at the Ports of Humboldt and Long Beach to serve the upcoming offshore wind pipeline. This panel will explore the efforts currently underway, findings from reports such as the State Lands Commission’s Port Readiness Plan and the draft AB 525 Strategic Plan, and updates on private investment and grant funding to develop local facilities. Moderated by Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez, Western Director, Oceantic Network, our expert panelists include: ● Sarp Ersoylu, PE, ENV SP, Western Ports & Maritime Manager, Burns & McDonnell ● Robert Holmlund, Director of Development, HUMBOLDT BAY HARBOR RECREATION CONSERVATION DISTRICT ● Suzanne Plezia, Chief Harbor Engineer, Port of Long Beach ● Brian Sabina, Founder & CEO, Clean Energy Terminals To see more details about this panel and other panel and keynote presentations, please visit the Summit Agenda. Register now to secure your spot. See you in Sacramento! https://lnkd.in/gjfqmup4 #offshorewind #floatingwind #cleanenergy #renewables #climate #offshorewindca #pacificoffshorewindsummit

Read the article at the San Luis Obispo Tribune, “SLO County ordered another study of potential offshore wind port sites. Where could it be?,” by Chloe Shrager—September 12, 2024. “Two separate studies have now been ordered to determine the potential for building an offshore wind port on the Central Coast, with the second and most recent one coming from San Luis Obispo County. On Tuesday, the SLO County Board of Supervisors approved $1 million in grant funds for the Mott MacDonald consulting group to prepare a study considering three different locations for an offshore wind operations and maintenance port: Port San Luis, the Cal Poly Pier and Morro Bay. The terminal would serve as a support hub for the offshore wind turbines in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area and serve as a place for maintenance and service operation vessels to restock supplies and change crew members between two-week trips, said County Planning and Building Department Division manager Susan Strachan... It would also include warehouses, offices and storage yards, but these structures do not need to be located directly next to the coast, she said. The county’s vote follows another recently approved study ordered by the Port San Luis Harbor District in collaboration with port project developer Clean Energy Terminals to evaluate the potential for building a port near Avila Beach…”  Read the full story below and at this link. https://lnkd.in/eQwNfQ-x #offshorewind #floatingwind #cleanenergy #renewables #climate #offshorewindca #pacificoffshorewindsummit