DOE Announces New Actions to Accelerate U.S. Floating Offshore Wind Deployment

On February 22, 2023, DOE announced that it was launching a West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission Study using IRA section 50153 funding. The announcement was made as part of the Biden Administration’s Floating Offshore Wind Shot Summit, an initiative including the Departments of Commerce, Transportation, and Interior. DOE announced new investments to bolster U.S. leadership in floating offshore wind deployment through the advancement of offshore wind transmission planning, research and technology, and partnerships. The goal is to bring clean power to millions of American homes and businesses and reduce the cost of floating offshore wind energy over 70% by 2035. Specific to the section 50153 funding, DOE is launching a West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission Study to develop plans through 2050 addressing transmission constraints currently limiting offshore wind development along the West Coast. It will also evaluate multiple pathways to achieving offshore wind goals while supporting grid reliability and ocean co-use. The announcement coincided with the release of a study by DOE evaluating existing West Coast offshore wind energy transmission research.