Maryland regulators have begun a 180-day review of two offshore wind proposals that are vying for renewable energy credits.
Regulators will evaluate the applications based on legislated net benefit criteria including long-term price stability.
They will also examine environmental and public health benefits, the potential creation of in-state jobs, reducing transmission congestion costs for consumers and providing the lowest price.
Developer US Wind has applied for a 250MW first phase of an overall 750MW development in the state’s commercial lease area.
A second unnamed company also submitted an application for state funding.
The Public Service Commission opened an application period on 25 February and closed it on 18 November.
A decision is due in May 2017. Once a project is approved, construction could begin as early as 2019.
“This is the last step for Maryland to move forward with an offshore wind project,” said Karla Raettig of advocacy group Maryland League of Conservation Voters.
Image: Deepwater Wind’s Block Island wind farm (Deepwater Wind)
Maryland spotlight on offshore duo
Regulators begin 180-day review to determine net benefits of wind farms
By EBS