The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has approved the construction and operations plan (COP) for US Wind’s up to 2GW wind farm off the coast of Maryland.
The approval marks the agency’s final permit on US Wind’s federal permitting application.
“This is a proud moment for US Wind,” said Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO.
“After more than four years of rigorous and robust analysis, we are thrilled to have secured this final BOEM approval. US Wind’s projects will produce massive amounts of homegrown energy and will help satisfy the region’s critical need for more electricity, all while supporting good local jobs.”
“I am pleased to announce BOEM’s approval of our nation’s tenth commercial-scale offshore wind energy project. This project will power over 718,000 homes and support almost 2,680 jobs annually over seven years,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein.
Two phases of the proposal, known as MarWin and Momentum Wind, already have offshore renewable energy certificates from the State of Maryland.
The National Marine Fisheries Service also issued a Letter of Authorization to the company in late November, approving US Wind’s plan for construction in the federal lease area off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.
The COP allows for up to 114 wind turbines rated as high as 18MW, up to four offshore substations, and up to four offshore export cables that run from the lease area to the shore.
The cables will be buried between three and ten feet, and no more than 13 feet.