Wind Energy – USA
Offshore wind projects like those by US Wind and Ørsted were boosted last 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.
“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.
