Harbor District signs agreement with developer to operate marine terminal

EUREKA, Calif. — Community members joined offshore wind leaders from across the country Thursday afternoon to mark the official start of an agreement between the Port of Humboldt Bay and offshore wind energy company Crowley Wind Services.

"This is our first opportunity here on the U.S. West Coast, and I couldn't think of a better place to plant the flag and work in partnership with the Harbor District and the community here in Humboldt Bay," Vice President of Crowley Wind Services Jeff Andreini said.

The agreement, which was publicly signed by officials from both the Harbor District and Crowley Wind Services at Thursday's event, gives Crowley the exclusive ability to operate a marine terminal in Samoa. This marked the start of the project's leasing phase, where the two offshore sites will be leased by developers so construction can begin on land at the marine terminal.

"This is more than just a terminal opportunity," Andreini said. "The ability to be able to work on that, from a supply chain perspective, to be a part of what's going to be one of the most significant power distribution activities in the United States is something that we're definitely looking forward to."

Humboldt's wind farm will be one of two on the West Coast. The other will be located in Morro Bay on California's Central Coast.

Congressman Jared Huffman, who has long advocated for renewable energy, was present at the event Thursday and spoke about some of the positive effects he said the project will have.

"I expect this latest venture will provide many in Humboldt County with not just dozens, not just hundreds, but thousands of good-paying jobs in an industry with tons of potential," Huffman said.

The project is expected to provide 1.6 gigawatts (GW) of energy capable of supporting 1.6 million homes, helping contribute to California's goal of creating five GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.

A lease auction is set to take place Dec. 6 where developers will bid on the offshore sites. Among the bidders are Shell New Energies and the Redwood Coast Energy Authority.

After the leases are finalized, further site planning followed by construction will take place. According to officials, the whole project will take several years to complete.