Schwarzenegger Institute Faculty Fellow Adam Rose has published a new article, “Benefits and Challenges of California Offshore Wind Electricity: An Updated Assessment,” in Energies, shedding light on the evolving landscape of offshore wind (OSW) technology in California. The study explores offshore wind (OSW) technology’s growing role in California’s goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.
Rose’s analysis highlights both advancements and challenges for offshore wind (OSW) in California. While cost reductions have stalled due to recent economic shifts, the potential for significant greenhouse gas reductions has grown substantially, driven by higher social cost of carbon estimates. Additionally, OSW offers co-benefits such as economic growth, enhanced reliability, and environmental justice, which are becoming more achievable thanks to technological and policy developments. Despite ongoing engineering hurdles, Rose concludes that OSW continues to be a viable and attractive option for California’s clean energy future.