In a landmark decision, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has approved the construction of a monumental 2,200 MW offshore wind farm off the coast of Maryland.
Set to be developed by US Wind, this floating plant will significantly boost the state’s renewable energy capacity, aiming to power approximately 770,000 homes.
The wind farm will be constructed with 114 turbines and is poised to enhance Maryland’s progress towards its offshore wind goal of 8,500 MW by 2031.
US Wind has been awarded the contract to build the turbine foundation facility in Baltimore Harbor, a move that will also strengthen the local supply chain for future projects.
With this addition, the cumulative power capacity of approved offshore projects in the US now exceeds 15 GW, with more than 5 GW currently being installed and over 300 MW already operational.
The project promises various localized benefits, including the creation of up to 530 jobs, many of which will be filled by unionized steelworkers, and a significant economic boost to the state.
Additionally, it aims to support local fishing activities by creating artificial reef-like structures that attract diverse marine species around the turbines.
The turbines in the US Wind’s lease area will be about a mile apart to facilitate easier navigation. Each turbine foundation, including scour protection, occupies less than a quarter of an acre on the seabed.
US Wind holds lease rights to an expansive 80,000-acre federal area off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland, with the potential to generate up to 2 gigawatts of offshore wind energy.
Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network, praised the project’s approval as a milestone for the Biden-Harris Administration and noted it as Maryland’s first offshore wind initiative.
This project represents the Network’s long-held vision of establishing a robust offshore wind industry in Maryland.
The wind farm is equipped with an advanced aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) to minimize light pollution.
Turbine lights will only activate when low-flying aircraft are detected, remaining off for 99% of the time and visible for less than six hours annually.
All project development and construction costs will be borne by US Wind, with no financial burden falling on Marylanders until the project is operational and contributing power to the grid.
This ensures that state ratepayers are safeguarded against potential cost overruns.
Oceantic Network has commended both US Wind and BOEM for their efforts in advancing offshore wind energy, noting that this project will bring steel fabrication back to the historic Bethlehem Steel facility in Dundalk, aligning with US Wind’s original vision for offshore wind development in Maryland.