About Canopy
Offshore wind will play a pivotal role in California's future energy mix, strengthening grid reliability, enhancing energy security and enabling economic growth. It is a critical resource to help meet rising energy demand.
California is planning for 25 GW of offshore wind capacity to be built by 2045. This capacity will generate reliable, clean energy to meet 10-15 percent of the state’s energy needs, powering 3.75 million homes and driving innovation across the region.
In December 2022, RWE secured the lease rights to an area of seabed off the coast of Humboldt County as part of the federal California offshore wind lease auction with the goal of developing, constructing and operating one of the nation’s first floating offshore wind projects, Canopy Offshore Wind.
Clean and reliable energy
Canopy will transform the powerful winds blowing over the Pacific Ocean to deliver clean, reliable energy to California, meet rising electricity demand and enhance long-term grid stability.
Public and private investments
The construction and operation of turbines will bring investment to the region, creating local, good-paying jobs.
Educational opportunities
Constructing and installing turbines will require a skilled workforce, creating generational workforce development opportunities. Canopy will support training and certification through partnerships with local universities in Humboldt, labor unions and other local organizations.
Floating Wind
Floating wind is a method of generating clean energy from the wind out at sea. Unlike turbines that are fixed to the seabed, floating turbines are secured on top of a foundation that rests on the ocean surface.
An average of 20 miles off the shore of Humboldt, the waters reach over 2,300 feet deep.
Project Timeline
Canopy Offshore Wind is expected to begin operations by the mid-2030s, contingent upon the permitting and regulatory timeline. This timeline allows for equitable workforce development and significant investment to support the region’s economic growth.
There is time to develop equitable workforce development now as major construction isn’t anticipated until the beginning of next decade. RWE is starting now in earnest, planning to perform offshore studies to inform potential project designs, and working with federal, state and local officials to secure necessary permits.
About RWE
A global leader in offshore wind, RWE is a proven partner ready to help California strengthen its energy independence and grid reliability with clean, American energy. RWE is committed to delivering projects that create jobs, drive innovation, and build a healthier future for generations to come.
RWE brings its wealth of experience in global offshore wind project development across the entire value chain, from project conception to construction and operation. The unparalleled experience the company has earned over the last 20 years has resulted in 19 successful offshore wind projects. Now one of the leading offshore wind developers in the US, RWE’s portfolio includes 6 GW of seabed including Community Offshore Wind off the coasts of New York and New Jersey.