Maryland-based US Wind, Inc. is celebrating the recent decision from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) fully approving its proposal to bring the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind power to Maryland. Officials from US Wind say the decision enables their plans to make Maryland the East Coast hub of a vibrant new industry.
“This decision cements Maryland as a first-mover – we will now be the epicenter of this exciting new industry for decades to come,” said Paul Rich, director of project development for US Wind.
In its decision, the Maryland PSC recognized offshore wind’s tremendous economic development potential to the state:
“…the State is positioned to become a national leader in the burgeoning offshore wind industry by securing tangible commitments to develop a robust supply chain in Maryland utilizing small businesses and minority business enterprises, while also revitalizing and re-purposing existing port infrastructure to bring much-needed job opportunities to areas of the State especially impacted by previous economic downturns. Further, the “all-in” approach to offshore wind that we undertake today signals to our neighbors and the world that Maryland is ready to serve as a regional hub and a substantial base for additional offshore wind development up and down the East Coast, thus, yielding sustained job growth for many years to come.”
US Wind has been methodically working towards construction of its Maryland project since it first acquired the lease for the Maryland Wind Energy Area off the coast of Ocean City. The company undertook a marine survey of the ocean floor in 2016 and recently received the final permit for a meteorological station on the site. US Wind officials have also hosted several informational meetings with global supply chain companies such as steel and cable manufacturers.
“The decision is in and now we’re ready to get to work,” said Rich. “US Wind wants to thank the PSC for this favorable decision, as well as Governor Larry Hogan and Commerce Secretary Mike Gill for showing that Maryland is truly ‘Open for Business.’ Maryland is now the undisputed national leader for offshore wind.”
The PSC’s decision awarded 913,845 offshore wind renewable energy credits (ORECs) to US Wind. This corresponds with the company’s request to support a 248 Megawatt project planned 12 to 17 miles off the coast of Ocean City, Md. Ultimately, US Wind plans to construct up to 187 turbines and produce power for more than 500,000 homes.
