The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has recently taken significant steps to bolster California's renewable energy objectives, with the proposed Pier Wind project gaining momentum. This 400-acre facility at the Port of Long Beach is set to become the largest terminal of its kind in the United States, dedicated to the assembly and deployment of floating offshore wind turbines.
During their latest session, the Harbor Commission approved measures intended to attract external funding and approvals necessary to bring Pier Wind to fruition. According to Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero, "Pier Wind will contribute to creating a reliable electric grid... reduce California's reliance on fossil fuels and help power the Port's transition to zero-emissions equipment and vehicles." He added optimism about making Pier Wind a reality as part of California's renewable energy strategy.
One of the pivotal decisions made by the Harbor Commission was the commitment of up to $14 million as matching funds for a state grant. This grant, which the port plans to apply for next month, will help cover expenses related to the project's design, environmental assessment, and community outreach. Alongside this, the Commission also approved $6.5 million from the Port's capital budget to fund continued environmental documentation and project development activities, ensuring momentum as they seek the necessary grant.
Built to facilitate the staging, storage, and assembly of some of the world’s largest wind turbines—each as tall as the Eiffel Tower—Pier Wind aims to ease the path for fully assembled turbines to be towed by sea to designated wind lease areas situated 20 to 30 miles offshore from Central and Northern California. If everything goes according to plan, construction for the ambitious $4.7 billion project could commence as soon as 2027.
These moves come on the heels of California voters authorizing Proposition 4, otherwise known as the Climate Bond, which allocates $475 million for port infrastructure projects linked to offshore wind endeavors. This aligns well with the goals set by the California Public Utilities Commission, which aims to procure up to 7.6 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power by the year 2035.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal emphasized the project's importance not only for renewable energy but also for its economic impacts. She noted, "Pier Wind will also be instrumental to the state’s economic growth by locally supporting 4,200 jobs during construction and another 1,800 green sector jobs during operations, all the meanwhile unlocking thousands more within the supply chain regionally and statewide."
A newly released analysis highlighted the potential economic benefits of Pier Wind, estimating it could generate around $8 billion in cumulative labor income, with significant overall economic impact summing up to $14.5 billion, including approximately $1.3 billion directed to state and local taxes through 2045.
Further regulatory developments are underway, with the proposed project undergoing thorough environmental reviews by various regulatory bodies at local, state, and federal levels. The Port of Long Beach has been proactive in gathering community feedback as part of this engagement process, ensuring public input is considered as the project evolves.
Throughout the design phase, officials report updates to the proposed layout for Pier Wind, carefully considering industry feedback. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of legislation earlier this year aims to streamline the design and development processes, allowing the Port to implement alternative construction delivery methods.
If all goes as planned and approvals come through, full completion of the terminal is expected by 2035, with significant portions beginning operation by 2031. The excitement around Pier Wind encapsulates not only the push for cleaner energy but also signals optimism for job creation and economic growth within the region.
The Pier Wind project exemplifies California's broader commitment to renewable energy, highlighting both the environmental and economic imperatives driving the state's transition away from fossil fuels.
