US State Of Maryland Quadruples Offshore Wind Target To 8.5 GW, Set To Pass Law

The state of Maryland in the US has set a new target of offshore wind energy in a quest to achieve the national goal of zero carbon emission and combat climate change. Maryland governor Wes Moore said during the International Partnering Forum, 2023, in Baltimore that the state has now more than quadrupled the previous set offshore wind target of 2GW to now 8500 MW.

Governor Moore held that the state wants to raise wind energy partnerships that will expand economic activities and create new job opportunities. The focus of Maryland administration is to strengthen the new lease areas in the state and also streamline the offshore wind supply chain.

Governor Moore stated in his speech, “Our administration is serious about offshore wind, and Maryland is ready to lead. We need all hands on deck in this crucial moment — so we can strengthen Maryland’s supply chain, leverage our state’s assets, and put Marylanders to work in clean energy jobs centered on logistics and manufacturing.”

“If we join together in partnership, we can make Maryland the offshore wind capital of the United States,” he added.

The General Assembly of the state is expected to soon pass the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act that sets a target of 8.5 GW of offshore wind installations in its waters. This will be done by raising the level of the transmission infrastructure in Maryland and a system of power procurement of green energy from offshore wind projects.

Jeff Grybowski, Chief Executive Officer, US Wind, held, “Governor Moore’s announcement is a homerun for the people of Maryland. He has a big and bold vision that aims to make the state the national leader in this new industry and create thousands of jobs in the process. Governor Moore is the person we need right now to achieve a clean energy future for Maryland.”

Maryland is yet to see a substantial offshore wind project to be installed in the state. Last year, US Wind’s offshore project was considered for environmental review by US authorities that will see installation of 121 wind turbines for a capacity ranging between 1.1 GW and 2 GW.