Which offshore locations are ideal for producing wind energy in the US? Ones with strong winds over 15 miles per hour.
While both coasts have favorable winds for offshore energy, the West Coast has some sweet spots — along with obstacles. Since offshore turbines are so tall, wind speed is measured at about 300 feet above the ocean. Off the coast of Humboldt and Del Norte counties, some winds exceed 22 miles per hour at that height. However, development in the Pacific Ocean is complicated by its deep ocean waters, which require floating platforms. In contrast, the East Coast has spots with strong winds, too, but the shallower waters allow platforms to be built directly into the ocean floor.
Est. wind speed in miles per hour at 300ft
9 or less
9-15.65
15.65-20
20-22.4
22.4+
Current wind farm lease areas
Lease Area
- Note: Wind speed data represents the predicted mean annual wind speeds at 90-m, or about 300 feet, height presented at a spatial resolution of 200 m. Areas with annual average wind speeds of 7 meters per second (m/s), or 15.65 miles per hour, and greater at 90-m height are generally considered to have a wind resource suitable for offshore development. Meters were converted to miles per hour in the graphic for clarity.
- Interactive: John Osborn D'Agostino, CalMatters
- Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory