Would the proposed Humboldt offshore wind project replace fossil fuel energy sources in Humboldt County?

Limited existing transmission infrastructure in Humboldt County restricts our ability to import power from elsewhere in California and creates the need for substantial in-county electricity production. The two largest sources of in-county power generation are the Humboldt Bay Generating Station (1), a fossil fuel-burning power plant located near the coastal town of King Salmon, and the Scotia Biomass Power Plant (2), a biomass cogeneration power plant located in the town of Scotia. Without in-county generation of renewable energy, or improved transmission infrastructure, we are dependent on these air-polluting and greenhouse gas-emitting sources of power to keep the lights on.

Scotia Biomass Power Plant. Photo courtesy of Wendy Ring.

Offshore wind would directly help us retire these local polluters. In addition to being able to utilize electricity generated by offshore wind locally, the largest local benefit in this regard would come from upgrades to our transmission system, which would allow us to utilize renewable energy generated across the State and country. Large-scale offshore wind farms are planned to be used alongside (3) other renewable energy generators as well as batteries. The fluctuation of wind speeds at different times of day results in different amounts of harvested energy between separate hours. Solar energy, as an example, also has energy fluctuations at hours that differ from wind turbines. When used together, they compensate for each other's inefficiencies, allowing for renewable energy generation at all times of the day. The addition of batteries also adds redundancy to the system.

Once we have enough renewable energy and batteries to power the system 24/7, we can either shut down our local greenhouse gas-emitting power plants or only use them in times of emergency. Without offshore wind, Humboldt would be unlikely to see the transmission upgrades necessary to shut down the Humboldt Bay Generating Station and Scotia Biomass Power Plant. It will be important in current and future state transmission planning processes for our region to work with the state, transmission developers, and utilities to increase distribution capacity so that our rural communities also benefit from increased offshore wind-related electrification.

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References

1. California Energy Commission. (2024). Humboldt Bay Generating Station. www.energy.ca.gov/powerplant/reciprocating-engine/humboldt-bay-generating-station

2. Power Technology. (2024). Power plant profile: Scotia Biomass Power Plant, US. Verdict Media Limited. www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-scotia-biomass-power-plant-us/?cf-view

3. Musial, W., Beiter, P., & Smith, A. (n.d.). Potential Offshore Wind Energy Areas in California: An Assessment of Locations, Technology, and Costs. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/67414.pdf