The area around the city of Newport, Ore. is seen from the Pacific Ocean near the PacWave South wave energy test site, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. The coastal waters of Oregon are shaping up to be key for advances in two forms of renewable energy: wave power and wind turbines that float. PORTLAND, Ore. — The number of companies planning to bid on a chance to develop a floating offshore wind project off the Oregon coast has been dwindling as opposition to the plan remains strong.
Oregon Public Broadcasting has reached out to all five eligible bidders to confirm their participation. So far, only Mainstream Renewable Power has replied. The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians have sued the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, claiming it failed to consider the environmental, cultural and economic impacts of offshore wind farms. The group hopes to delay the Oct. 15 auction.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has been working to ease tensions over wind development. She acknowledged that the federal government’s process for developing it “hasn’t started off on the right foot,” but said the state must explore renewable energy options — including floating offshore wind farms — to meet its climate goals.