Maryland doubles down on offshore wind with $1.6 million investment

Salisbury Daily Times

Offshore wind projects like those by US Wind and Ørsted were boosted Wednesday as the Maryland Energy Administration added $1.6 million to fund additional projects by emerging companies.

The Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Grant Program, a fund aimed at assisting new or existing emerging businesses entering the offshore wind supply chain in Maryland, will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis for qualifying proposals until Jan. 1, 2023, or until all funding has been awarded.

"Proposed projects must provide a positive net economic benefit to the state and local communities through job opportunities while encouraging diversity, inclusion and equity in their business operations. Proposed projects should also be designed to serve the larger U.S. offshore wind market and related industries," the state energy agency said in a statement.

Developments like MARWIN I and Momentum Wind by US Wind represent a projected 77 turbines 15 to 18 miles off the coast of Maryland and Delaware that are expected to turn out 1,864.5 MW of power for the state. That is enough to power 285,000 Maryland homes. Both those projects are expected to be completed and fully operational in 2026.

A two megawatt wind turbine spins in the breeze near the campus of the University of Delaware in Lewes. The turbine would be about half the size Orsted plans to use of the coast of Delaware and nearly the same for U.S. Wind off the Ocean City coast.

Ørsted also plans on two developments of its own with Skipjack Wind I and II. The total of 69 turbines would be situated 20 to 21 miles off the coast of Maryland and Delaware. The combined 966 megawatts of electricity are expected to power an estimated 315,000 homes.

Those are also expected to be completed and operational by 2026.

The state regards the industry as a boon, bringing 12,000 direct full-time equivalent jobs, with both the Baltimore area and Ocean City area port facilities seeing the windfall.

"The program is open to emerging businesses, including minority-owned emerging businesses located in, or relocating to Maryland. MEA strongly encourages emerging businesses representing and working to empower Maryland’s underserved communities," said the agency.

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Thus far, wind energy companies in the state have spent $76 million for steel manufacturing facilities, $40 million for port infrastructure upgrades, $150 million for monopile foundation manufacturing facilities, $140 million on a subsea cable manufacturing facility, and $100 million on a turbine tower manufacturing facility according to the Maryland Energy Administration.

Among the conditions for the recipients include awards not exceeding $400,000. Applicants must also contribute at least 50% of the total project costs as matching funds or "in-kind services."