Equinor has announced the name of its California floating offshore project: Atlas Wind.
The project’s lease area lies 60 miles from Morro Bay and has the capacity to provide over 2 GW of energy once complete, says the company. This would be enough to power 1.7 million homes.
“Atlas is a symbol of strength and fortitude, and most importantly perseverance, as we bring tested, world-class technology to California’s central coast,” says Molly Morris, Equinor Renewables Americas president.
Marine and aerial wildlife surveying in the lease area will begin next year. Equinor’s team continues to meet with residents, fishing industry and tribal communities in preparation for Atlas Wind survey activities.
“California has some of the best offshore wind resources in the country and support from state leadership to deliver on these offshore wind goals,” says Atlas Wind’s Martin Goff. “Beyond providing energy reliability, offshore wind will create equitable opportunities through jobs and investment in the state.”
California has an energy transition target of 25 GW of offshore wind energy by 2045.
