Maryland approves 368 MW of offshore wind power

The Business Network For Offshore Wind, a leader in building the U.S. offshore wind supply chain, commends the Maryland Public Service Commission for awarding financing for two offshore wind projects. The Maryland Public Service Commission’s (MD PSC) approval and financing of US Wind and Skipjack Offshore Energy’s combined 368-MW projects solidify offshore wind as a U.S. industry.

Maryland has more than 800 businesses working in and around Baltimore’s ports, many of which have potential to provide support for scaling the U.S. offshore wind industry.

“Maryland no longer stands at the doorstep of ushering in this new industry; it has stepped over the threshold,” said Liz Burdock, Executive Director of the Business Network For Offshore Wind. “The award of these projects is the launching point for great economic growth for Maryland, its businesses, and its citizens.”

With the approval of these offshore wind projects and the conditions set forth by the MD PSC on the developers to invest millions of dollars in port infrastructure and steel fabrication, these businesses can start to gain offshore wind experience and a strong market position in other U.S. offshore wind projects.

In addition, the economic impact of these projects will be dispersed from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore.

“Maryland continues to lead — achieving the first commercial scale offshore wind projects in the United States, as well as reaping the environmental benefits of this large- scale, clean, renewable energy,” added Burdock.

Offshore wind was first introduced to Marylanders in 2008. Legislative bills were written and presented to the Maryland legislators for three years commencing in 2010. The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act was passed in 2013, and promptly signed into law before the present developers was even considering the lease opportunities.

Many people, from within state agencies, legislators, businesses, foundations, environment groups, academics, religious groups, health centers and citizens have all contributed to make this a historic day.