The US Government has proposed a California offshore wind lease sale, which could facilitate the installation of 4.5GW of offshore wind capacity.

The Proposed Sale Notice (PSN) comprises three lease areas in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area offshore from central California, as well as two proposed lease areas in the Humboldt Wind Energy Area offshore from northern California.

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The five lease areas together would cover an area of nearly 373,268 acres and generate enough clean energy to power more than 1.5 million homes.

The proposed sale is said to be the first offshore wind lease sale proposed on the US’ west coast.

It is part of the leasing path announced by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland last year to meet the Biden-Harris administration’s target to install 30GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) director Amanda Lefton said: “Today’s action represents tangible progress towards achieving the Administration’s vision for a clean energy future offshore California while creating a domestic supply chain and good-paying union jobs.

“BOEM is committed to robust stakeholder engagement and ensuring any offshore wind leasing is done in a manner that avoids or minimises potential impacts to the ocean and ocean users.

“The Proposed Sale Notice provides another opportunity for local communities, Tribes, ocean users, developers, and others to weigh in on potential wind energy activities offshore California.”

The PSN will be published in the Federal Register on 31 May and open a 60-day public comment period. It will include details about proposed lease areas, lease provisions, conditions and auction details. 

The notice will also provide information on the lease conditions such as instructions to prioritise workforce training, domestic supply chain development, community benefits and engagement.

Earlier this month, BOEM held an auction for two lease areas, with 1.3GW of total capacity, offshore from North and South Carolina.