How big are proposed wind turbines off SLO County coast? Bigger than some California landmarks

In December, five companies won leases to develop offshore wind energy farms off California’s coast.

Three leases were offered off the Central Coast in the so-called Morro Bay wind energy area, while two leases were offered off the Northern California coast titled the Humboldt wind energy area.

This Morro Bay wind energy area could generate 2.9 gigawatts of electricity at peak capacity should it be fully built out, according to a September article by The Tribune. And the wind turbines, which would be floating in the Pacific Ocean about 20 miles west of San Simeon and Cambria, would stand at about 1,100 feet tall from water line to top of the blades.

Just how tall is that? Taller than some well-known landmarks. Take a look:

Towering turbines

Graphic: NATHANIEL LEVINE | Sources: Moffatt & Nichol, Tribune research, Wikipedia Commons

Read more on this offshore project in these stories:

• Could SLO County get a $2.4 billion port to support offshore wind? Here’s what state says

• 5 companies win California offshore wind energy leases with $757 million in bids

This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 5:30 AM.