U.S. Wind, a Baltimore-based wind company, welcomes Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s administration’s decision to allow the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) to take effect, while also pursuing the goal of achieving 100% of clean energy electricity by 2040 for the state.
U.S. Wind showed its support for Maryland legislators for signing the Clean Energy Jobs Act into effect. The company is also gearing up for an estimated 268-MW offshore wind project expected to be completed by 2023.
“Offshore wind is one of the few clean, renewable energy sources that must provide in-state jobs and is key to generating clean air benefits for all Marylanders,” said Salvo Vitale, country manager of U.S. “The additional offshore wind goal called for in the Clean Energy Jobs Act will help reassert Maryland’s position as a leader in offshore wind energy generation while also delivering significant economic and job-creation benefits and clean energy independence within the state for generations to come.”
Unlike other energy sources, offshore wind is required by current Maryland law to produce an economic, environmental and health “net benefit” to the state and its ratepayers.
Vitale previously testified before the state Senate Finance Committee and House Economic Matters Committee urging passage of CEJA, citing the significant economic benefits that the legislation would make possible by incentivizing the development of 1,200 MW of additional offshore wind energy off the coast of Maryland.
The benefits of the legislation are significant for Maryland’s economy, resulting in the creation of an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 direct jobs; an additional $18 million to be deposited in the Offshore Wind Business Development Fund; approximately $5 billion in new capital expenditures; and thousands of tons more of carbon emissions reduced or avoided altogether.
Earlier this week, U.S. Wind announced that it has signed an agreement with EPIC Applied Technologies for the installation of its Meteorological Tower beginning this summer, marking a key milestone in the advancement of its Maryland offshore wind project which is expected to be operational within 2023.
U.S. Wind will install up to 32 wind turbines at a distance of approximately 17 miles off the coast of Ocean City that will eventually produce 268 MW of offshore wind energy. The U.S. Wind project will result in the creation of approximately 7,000 direct and indirect jobs and represent an in-state investment of nearly $1.5 billion.
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