The report, Offshore Renewable Energy Development on the West Coast: Understanding Effects on Shipping, Fisheries, and Maritime Activities, by the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine examines the implications of offshore renewable energy development along the US West Coast, with a focus on floating offshore wind. The study finds that the region is well suited to floating offshore wind due to deep coastal waters, making fixed-bottom turbines largely unsuitable. Lease areas awarded by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management off California could support several GW of capacity, with projects located 20 to 50 nautical miles offshore.
However, the report highlights a range of challenges linked to large-scale deployment. Floating wind arrays, including platforms and dynamic cables, may restrict certain fishing activities, particularly those using bottom-contact gear. Tribal fisheries are identified as particularly sensitive, with concerns over access, habitat impacts and consultation processes.
Impacts on maritime activity are also noted. Wind farm layouts could affect vessel navigation, search and rescue operations, and radar systems. The report indicates that clear spatial planning and defined transit routes will be important for maintaining safety at sea.
Port infrastructure is identified as a key constraint for floating offshore wind. Only a limited number of ports are currently suitable for large-scale assembly and deployment, and significant investment would be required to support future projects.
The report concludes that floating offshore wind on the USA West Coast can be developed, but requires coordinated planning, improved stakeholder engagement and further assessment of environmental and operational impacts.
