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 “natural” methane gas-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.

 

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.