New report: Washington could meet entire electricity demand with offshore wind
Environment Washington Research and Policy Center
Media contacts:
John Ammondson, Advocate, Environment Washington, 781-859-9022, [email protected]
Hannah Read, Go Big on Offshore Wind Associate, (617) 999-7179, [email protected]
New report: Washington could meet entire electricity demand with offshore wind
Seattle- Washington ranks 11th among 29 coastal states for its potential to meet its 2050 electricity usage in a scenario of maximal electrification of buildings, transportation and industry, findings revealed in a new report released Thursday by Environment Washington Research & Policy Center and Frontier Group. The report, Offshore Wind for America, examines U.S. offshore wind potential by both coastal region and by state, while documenting the status of existing projects and technological advances. Washington could provide 105% of projected 2050 energy demand with offshore wind alone. For projections of 2050 electricity demand, the report assumes that U.S. buildings, industry and transportation will all be powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels by mid-century.
“When it comes to resources that can provide plenty of clean, reliable energy for Washington, offshore wind sits front and center. We simply will not reach a 100 percent renewable energy future without it”, said John Ammondson, Advocate with Environment Washington Research & Policy Center. “We have an opportunity to provide Washingtonians with renewable, reliable energy to power their homes and help meet our state’s climate and clean energy targets”. The report highlights that Washington’s offshore wind potential is enough to meet 161% of the state’s 2019 electricity demand, and could cover increased demand by 2050 assuming full electrification.
In addition to highlighting states that stand to provide the most offshore wind power relative to their electricity usage, the report also highlights how the success and growth of offshore wind globally in Europe and Asia has supported the continued advancements of offshore wind technologies. Turbine power and efficiency continue to improve, while the introduction of floating turbines will be crucial for expanding offshore wind potential in states with especially deep coastal water, such as Maine and California.
“Offshore Wind for America reminds us that offshore wind can and will rise to the occasion of meeting our energy needs right here in Washington” Ammondson said. “This incredible resource is still largely untapped, but we have the chance to take advantage of it and build a resilient green future for Washingtonians. Now is the time to go big on offshore wind.”
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