Humboldt Offshore Wind Port Development Feasibility Study

The offshore wind (OSW) resource in Northern California is among the highest in the country, and floating OSW has enormous potential to help California meet renewable energy targets, generate local jobs, and reduce wildfire risk from overland energy transmission. A study was conducted for the state of California’s Ocean Protection Council to evaluate the need and opportunities for improving port (marine terminal and navigation) infrastructure in Humboldt Bay to support the floating OSW industry in Northern California. The study concluded that there is no existing marine terminal in Humboldt Bay that can support buildout of a floating OSW farm without investment. Required marine terminal upgrades include a new wharf, berth dredging, and upland ground improvements. Existing navigation infrastructure can support marshaling activities, but the throughput rate (number of turbines installed per year) and the size of floating devices may be constrained without modifications to the federal navigation channel.