Auction of California Offshore Wind Leases Draws $757M in Winning Bids

WASHINGTON — California’s first auction of offshore wind development rights received more than $757 million in winning bids, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced.

In all, roughly 373,268 acres were earmarked for wind farm development, with the sites collectively believed to be capable of producing more than 4.6 GW of energy — enough to power more than 1.5 million homes annually.

“Today’s lease sale is further proof that industry momentum — including for floating offshore wind development — is undeniable,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

“A sustainable, clean energy future is within our grasp and the Interior Department is doing everything we can to ensure that American communities nationwide benefit,” she added.

RWE Offshore Wind Holdings, LLC, was the provisional winner for lease area OCS-P 0561, consisting of 63,338 acres with a high bid of $157.7 million.

California North Floating, LLC, was the provisional winner for lease area OCS-P 0562, consisting of 69,031 acres with a high bid of $173.8 million.

Equinor Wind US, LLC, was the provisional winner for lease area OCS-P 0563, consisting of 80,062 acres with a high bid of $130 million.

Central California Offshore Wind, LLC, was the provisional winner for lease area OCS-P 0564, consisting of 80,418 acres with a high bid of $150.3 million.

Invenergy California Offshore LLC, was the provisional winner for lease area OCS-P 0565, consisting of 80,418 acres with a high bid of $145.3 million.

The sale is the third major offshore wind lease sale held by the Biden administration.

“The innovative bidding credits in the California auction will result in tangible investments for the floating offshore wind workforce and supply chain in the U.S. and benefits to tribes, communities and ocean users potentially affected by future offshore wind,” said BOEM Director Amanda Lefton in a written statement.

“The interest and success of today’s sale represents a significant milestone toward achieving President Biden’s goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030 and 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind capacity by 2035,” she added.

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