The offshore wind expansion in the Pacific northwestern state of Oregon could meet opposition from the fishing industry, among others, the state energy authorities warn in a new report cited by trade media Recharge News.

Though authorities plan to expand offshore wind sites at sea starting in 2024, they have now looked into options and risks connected to the expansion of 3MW floating offshore wind towards 2030.

Numerous practical challenges have emerged as part of this assessment. For one, fisheries are expected to oppose the construction of these projects out of fear for their impact on the marine environment.

Other practical stumbling blocks include the depths off the coast of Oregon, sometimes as far as 1,200-2,000 meters, complicating mooring options of the floating wind platforms.

Oregon’s port capacities could also face strain, according to findings in the reports, which also show that current network capacity is inadequate.

The many obstacles have, according to Recharge News, led Danish wind consultancy Aegir to conclude that the offshore wind projects off the coast of Oregon are unlikely to be completed until 2035.

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