Is California next in line for offshore wind?

Offshore wind projects are extremely capital intensive, so it makes sense that the first wave of development in the U.S. has focused on high-load, transmission-constrained East Coast regions. New England is one excellent example, where power prices are high enough to support offshore wind. The relatively shallow water depths — which extend beyond state territorial waters and submarine topography off the Atlantic coast — complement existing and well-proven wind-turbine installation methods. But make no mistake, California is the natural target for the second wave of development. As the world’s fifth-largest economy with a power-hungry population, an extensive coastline, and a progressive legislature and governor, California is likely to lead the offshore wind industry on the West Coast.