The Biden-Harris administration has approved the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, the nation’s tenth commercial-scale offshore wind energy project to receive federal approval.
The approval brings the total approved clean energy from offshore wind projects to over 15 gigawatts, halfway to the administration’s goal of 30 gigawatts by 2030.
“The clean energy future is now! Today’s milestone marks another giant leap toward our ambitious goal of unleashing 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis.
The Maryland Offshore Wind Project, developed by US Wind, could generate over 2 gigawatts of clean, renewable energy, potentially powering over 718,000 homes on the Delmarva Peninsula. The project is expected to create nearly 2,680 jobs annually over seven years during its development and construction phases.
“BOEM’s Record of Decision brings us another step closer to securing final approvals later this year and getting steel in the water,” said US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski. “We’re eager to advance Maryland’s offshore wind goals and support good jobs in the region for decades to come.”
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) conducted a thorough environmental review process, including public meetings and feedback from various stakeholders. As a result, measures have been developed to mitigate potential environmental impacts, which will be required as terms and conditions for the project’s approval.
The approval represents a significant step towards the Biden administration’s clean energy goals and demonstrates the growing momentum of the offshore wind industry in the United States.
Source: gcaptain
