Floating wind power at even modest capacities off Oregon could drive some $10bn in economic activity and support almost 100,000 jobs by 2050 but faces key infrastructure and permitting bottlenecks, as well as opposition from stakeholders including the Pacific northwest state’s prized fisheries, warns a major report by energy officials.

“Floating offshore wind development would carry important trade-offs for Oregon,” admitted Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) director Janine Benner.