What’s New?
In December 2023, the federal government offered its first ever offshore wind energy leases off the California coast, including an area of deep ocean waters off the Central Coast.
The Morro Bay Offshore Wind Area spans 376 square miles and will host three floating wind farms off San Luis Obispo, each with around 50 or more turbines that will be positioned about 20 -50 miles away from the coast.
Key developers who have leased wind areas off the Central Coast:
Atlas Wind Project by Equinor Wind US LLC
Golden State Wind LLC by Ocean Winds and Reventus Power
Even Keel by Invenergy California Offshore LLC
This map allows users to explore offshore wind projects and lease areas on all coasts, and track the progress of each.
The Central Coast is home to some of the most abundant wind resources in the country, and the responsible development of an offshore wind industry could bring high quality jobs, energy independence, and cleaner air to coastal communities.
On December 8, 2025, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration’s wind energy permit ban was “arbitrary and capricious,” striking down the temporary nationwide halt on federal wind leasing. California remains focused on maintaining momentum and demonstrating to other coastal states how equitable and responsible clean energy development can be achieved.
