The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a USD10.5 million grant for renovations at the port of Humboldt Bay to support offshore wind energy activities.

Once renovated, Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal will be capable of handling large vessels, along with floating platform development, integration and decommissioning, as well as other maritime activities.

The terminal is expected to initially support the development of up to 1.6 GW of offshore wind capacity in the Humboldt area.

“Humboldt Bay has the optimal conditions to serve as the primary port for the offshore wind industry for the entire West Coast,” said harbour district board president Greg Dale. “We are fully dedicated to prepare our port for this remarkable opportunity and we are honoured to be working with the CEC to launch California into the future of energy production.”

Activities funded by the grant include completing preliminary engineering and design work, conducting site surveys and special studies, preparing necessary environmental impact assessments, implementing early construction, and initiating environmental mitigation measures.

www.energy.ca.gov