New report: Oregon could meet entire electricity demand with offshore wind

Environment Oregon Research and Policy Center

For Immediate Release: 

Thursday, March 18th, 2021

Media contacts: 

John Ammondson, Advocate, Environment Oregon, 781-859-9022, [email protected]

Hannah Read, Go Big on Offshore Wind Associate, (617) 999-7179, [email protected]

New report: Oregon could meet entire electricity demand with offshore wind

Portland- Oregon ranks 7th 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 Oregon 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. Oregon could provide 256% 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.

Just yesterday, Oregon legislators previewed a bill that would commit Oregon to 100% clean energy. When it comes to transitioning Oregon to 100 percent renewable energy, offshore wind will play a key role. “Developing offshore wind in Oregon just makes sense. We have an enormous renewable resource blowing just off our coastline that can help close the gap between us and a 100 percent renewable energy future,” said John Ammondson, Advocate with Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center. “We have an opportunity to provide Oregonians with renewable, reliable energy to power their homes. The commitments made by other states should give the Legislature the confidence to make a bold commitment to a clean energy future today.” 

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 Oregon” 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 Oregonians. Now is the time to go big on offshore wind.”

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Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. For more information, visit www.environmentoregoncenter.org.