A coalition of wind energy companies has launched Offshore Wind California (OWC), calling on the state to set a goal of reaching a minimum of 10GW of offshore wind by 2040.

Founding member companies include Equinor, Ørsted, Northland Power, Principle Power, Aker Solutions, Magellan Wind and Mainstream Renewable Power, as well as the nonprofit Pacific Ocean Energy Trust.

OWC urged California to set a goal of reaching a minimum of 10GW of offshore wind by 2040, to generate jobs, growth and meet the state’s commitment to 100% renewable power by 2045.

According to the coalition partners, California is well-positioned to break out as the next investment hot spot for the U.S. offshore wind industry, which is taking off with more than 22GW in commitments by East Coast states and USD 70 billion in supply chain spending by 2030.

“Offshore wind is poised to play a major role helping California meet its renewable energy goals,” said David Hochschild, Chair at California Energy Commission.

“Working together, industry leaders, policy makers, environmental advocates, labor unions, and power providers can advance the technology and make this renewable resource a mainstream, competitive clean energy source. Offshore wind holds great promise as part of the diverse power portfolio and transformative clean energy change California is looking for.”

To remind, in September last year California committed to achieving a 100% renewable energy target by the end of 2045.

Shortly after, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a Call for Information and Nominations to identify companies interested in commercial wind energy leases within three proposed areas off central and northern California. Fourteen developers expressed their interest.