The Port of Long Beach announced that it released plans for an ambitious facility conceived to help California and the nation reach renewable energy targets in the coming decades.
In particular, the floating offshore wind facility – known as Pier Wind – would support the manufacture and assembly of offshore wind turbines standing as tall as the Eiffel Tower. It would be the largest facility at any U.S. seaport specifically designed to accommodate the assembly of offshore wind turbines.
Imagine fully assembled wind turbines capable of generating 20 megawatts of energy towed by sea from the Port of Long Beach to offshore wind farms in Central and Northern California.
…said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.
Building Pier Wind lays the foundation for a zero carbon energy future, not only for the public but for our operations as well. Offshore wind is essential to the Port of Long Beach’s own goals to transition to zero emissions, and ensuring there is a ready supply of reliable, resilient, and renewable power is vital for the work we do moving commerce.
… said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman.
As explained, the Pier Wind project helps California harness the powerful wind in deep waters in order to generate renewable energy while enhancing air quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels; meet the state’s goal of producing 25 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2045; and contribute toward lowering the national cost of offshore wind power by 70% by 2035.
According to the Port of Long Beach, the facility would span up to 400 acres of newly built land located southwest of the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge within the Harbor District. The Port’s concept study, available here, provides information to continue planning and discussion with state and federal officials, developers and funders for the $4.7 billion project.
