New offshore wind energy system may be being built in California
November 11, 2015Offshore wind system could be built off the coast of Morro Bay
A new offshore wind energy system has been proposed in California, which is meant to be located off the coast of Morro Bay. The proposed plan could create some division among the state’s environmentalists, some of which are supporting the preservation of the state’s coastal ecosystem. Others are strong supporters of renewable energy and believe that an offshore wind power system may be a major benefit for the state.
Energy system will be able to produce 1,000 MW of electrical power
Trident Winds, an energy developer based in Washington, has plans to develop an offshore wind energy system off the coast of Morro Bay, which will be comprised of 100 floating wind turbines. Each of these turbines will be 636 feet tall and will capture the wind currents that can found at sea. When completed, the wind energy system would generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power approximately 300,000 average homes. The electrical power is expected to be sold through power purchase agreements.
Wind energy continues to find support within the private sector
Offshore wind energy is becoming more popular in the United States, where the federal government is working to ensure that the country becomes more environmentally friendly. In the past, wind energy had received significant support from the federal government. Now, however, the majority of this support comes from the private sector, where investors are seeing major promise in wind projects, especially those that are being developed offshore.
Wind energy could help California achieve its ambitious environmental goals
Offshore wind has major potential when it comes to energy production because of the strong wind currents that can be found at sea. This form of renewable energy may help California achieve its environmental goals. State law requires that utilities derive no less than 50% of their electrical power from renewable sources by 2030. The new offshore wind project proposed in California may ensure that utilities are able to accomplish this in the time allotted.