Offshore Wind FAQs
Have questions about offshore wind? Use this FAQ to find answers and links to research and resources to learn more about how offshore wind works and what it could mean for our communities and climate.
- Q. What is offshore wind?
A: As more communities face the devastating effects of climate change and rising energy prices, offshore wind has become an increasingly important renewable energy source to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels — both in the U.S. and around the world. Here’s how it works: Wind turbines are either affixed to the bottom of the ocean floor or they float within a set radius while attached to cables. Wind flows over the blades, causing them to spin. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator to produce electricity. That electricity is then channeled onshore via transmission lines.
- Q. Why is the Oregon Coast being considered for offshore wind development?
A:
The Oregon Coast has some of the strongest sustained winds on the West Coast. Under current proposals, winds off the Oregon Coast are expected to generate as much as 3 gigawatts of power — enough to provide electricity for 1 million homes in Oregon and beyond.
Offshore wind is also widely considered a critical way to help meet Oregon’s goals for reducing climate pollution. Under state law, we will have 100% clean electricity by 2040. Oregon is not alone in exploring offshore wind: In states up and down the east and west coasts of the United States, offshore wind projects are open, under consideration, or already under development.
- Q. What specific areas on the coast are being considered for offshore wind development?
A: The two areas currently under consideration are located between 18 and 32 miles off the coast of Brookings and Coos Bay. They are known as Wind Energy Areas. The size of these areas was reduced after extensive public comment and review to identify potential conflicts with wildlife, commercial fishing, shipping, and other ocean uses.
- Q. Who is in charge of this process?
A:
Both federal and state agencies are involved in offshore wind development because while any project would be sited far offshore in federal waters, the energy would be transmitted to shore through state waters. There are several interlocking state and federal laws and protections that must be followed.
At the federal level, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for issuing leases and permits to developers and conducting environmental assessments for offshore wind projects in areas beyond state waters. They are the lead agency for siting and permitting any offshore wind projects off Oregon’s coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is consulted to assess and help mitigate any potential impacts to marine life, and NOAA Fisheries similarly assesses and mitigates impacts to fisheries.
At the state level, the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) works to ensure that any offshore wind projects align with state policies, regulations, and coastal zone management requirements. The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) is also involved in ensuring that any offshore wind projects are consistent with the state’s renewable energy goals and standards.
- Q. Where are we in the offshore wind process and how can I make my voice heard?
A: The process is just getting underway– there won’t be a fully developed proposal for another two years. You can track where we are in the process and find opportunities for engagement on our timeline.
- Q. What impact has climate change had on the Oregon Coast?
A: Oregon was one of the first places in the world to witness the impacts of ocean acidification, causing a collapse of oyster hatchery production. Another emerging threat is hypoxia — when the concentration of oxygen in the water is so low that it harms marine life, including fish and crabs. Hypoxia events have become more frequent as climate change has worsened and pose a serious threat to our fishing industries.
Our seawalls, jetties, roads, and highways are facing hazards made worse by climate change: rising sea levels, increased flooding, greater erosion, and more. These events put our aging infrastructure under immense pressure, creating the need for costly repairs and rebuilding.
In 2017, the Chetco Bar fire threatened the South Coast, forcing more than 5,000 residents to evacuate and burning more than 190,000 acres. Three years later, the Echo Mountain Fire swept through coastal communities in Lincoln County, forcing thousands of people to evacuate in the middle of the night. Families lost their homes, vehicles, and livelihoods. The climate crisis is driving hotter and drier weather patterns, which means a greater risk of devastating wildfires up and down the entire coast range.
- Q. Is offshore wind safe for fish and other animals that live in the ocean? Will it impact our fishing industry at all?
A: An in-depth analysis will be conducted to evaluate the potential impacts on Oregon’s unique fishing grounds and the fishing economy, which is one of Oregon’s most important coastal industries.
If offshore wind is determined to be right for Oregon, our collective goal should be to find ways to build offshore wind so we can avoid or minimize impacts to the environment, wildlife, fish, and fishing communities.
- Q. Are there other offshore wind projects in the United States?
A: Yes, there are operational offshore wind projects in the United States with several under construction and more in the pipeline. In addition to operational wind farms in Massachusetts, Virginia and Rhode Island, and New York has a project under construction.
- Q. Would this bring jobs to coastal communities?
A: Offshore wind energy stands to add billions of dollars to Oregon’s economy in the coming decades. The development of offshore wind platforms and associated infrastructure has the potential to add thousands of jobs by 2050—in operations, maintenance, and associated economic activities. Under a labor agreement, the developer could be required to make those jobs union and family-wage with a focus on hiring locally.
- Q. How long would it take for an offshore wind project to get up and running?
A: Because the process takes careful consideration and lengthy planning, in 2024, any development would be nearly a decade in the future.
- Q. Can you see offshore wind turbines from the shore?
A: The turbines will be placed at least 18 miles out from shore, that’s equivalent to almost 317 football fields laid end to end. BOEM has provided some visualizations.
- Q. Will offshore wind make our local electricity grid more resilient?
A: The new infrastructure (transmission and substations) needed to support offshore wind will also support improved transmission of electricity to the Oregon coast.
Offshore wind will not affect the local electricity distribution system which is maintained by your local utility.
- Q. Will offshore wind increase our energy independence?
A: Offshore wind will help minimize our reliance on imported, expensive, and polluting fossil fuels.
- Q. Will it increase costs for coastal families?
A: No, power from the offshore wind generators will not directly impact local utility rates. The power from these generators will be sold under long-term power purchase contracts to utilities in Oregon and throughout the West. Rates are set through a regulated process at the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
Oregon gives utility bill discounts for low-income customers of Pacific Power and Northwest Natural. If you have Pacific Power for electricity or Northwest Natural for gas, you may qualify for a reduced energy bill. Learn more here.