Sian Crampsie
US offshore wind developer Castle Wind has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a local utility in California covering its planned 1 GW floating offshore wind farm.
Castle Wind and Monterey Bay Community Power (MBCP) have signed the MOU signalling their intent to sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) in the future for the offtake of energy from the project, located off the coast of California.
“Castle Wind is pleased to be working with Monterey Bay Community Power on a Power Purchasing Agreement to deliver local clean energy from offshore wind,” said Alla Weinstein, CEO of Castle Wind. “While the project is still several years away, we know that offshore wind is poised to play an integral role in California’s electricity portfolio, which will help the State meet its aggressive climate goals at the least cost.
“This MOU is a statement of commitment by MBCP to use 100 per cent renewables and their desire to secure a supply of clean energy that closely meets their demand profile.”
Castle Wind is backed by EnBW North America and Trident Winds. The 1 GW wind farm would be located on the Outer Continental Shelf, more than 50 km from the California coastline in federally managed waters of the Pacific Ocean. It will connect to the grid at the Morro Bay substation in Morro Bay, California.
The wind farm is scheduled to start operating in 2026 or 2027.
