Oregon Drafts Offshore Wind Roadmap With Multiple Paths

The US state of Oregon has released a draft offshore wind roadmap that maps out four possible development scenarios along its deepwater Pacific coastline, ranging from no offshore wind projects to up to 3 GW of floating capacity. Public feedback on the plan will be accepted through April 3.

Developed since June 2024, the roadmap was prepared by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). Rather than backing offshore wind outright, the document sets out proposed “conditions, processes, and standards” aimed at safeguarding coastal communities, tribal interests, fisheries, and marine ecosystems, while still acknowledging the state’s clean energy ambitions.

The outlined scenarios include large-scale development of between 1 GW and 3 GW, smaller pilot projects, participation in offshore wind supply chains without installing turbines locally, and a complete decision to opt out of offshore wind. Even the no-development option calls for regional grid assessments to ensure long-term energy resilience.

“Through all of that conversation, what we learned is that there’s not a clear and simple path to offshore wind right now,” said roadmap lead Jeff Burright.

The shift in approach comes after resistance from coastal stakeholders, following the cancellation of a Southern Oregon lease area amid developer withdrawals and President Trump’s executive order opposing wind energy.

The roadmap proposes a phased policy framework, including updates to the Territorial Sea Plan, formalizing community benefit agreements, and introducing federal review points to allow adjustments as projects evolve. Visual impacts from floating turbines on the horizon have also drawn attention, particularly when compared with existing wave energy technologies.

From an economic perspective, the state is exploring opportunities similar to those pursued by California, such as port development, component manufacturing, and research and development, without necessarily hosting offshore wind farms. Burright said the roadmap is expected to be finalized and presented to lawmakers this summer following a Roundtable review.