The Maryland Energy Administration has announced the tenth annual open application period for two grant programmes aimed at moving forward Maryland’s offshore wind energy industry.
The Maryland Offshore Wind Education & Workforce Program and the Maryland Offshore Wind Supply Chain Investment Program will have a combined Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget of US$5m.
The Maryland Offshore Wind Education & Workforce Program has a total funding pool of US$3m for FY25.
It will focus on developing or expanding general, non-certification oriented, offshore wind education programs, and will cover up to 75% of total project costs.
Maryland Offshore Wind Supply Chain Investment Program has a total funding pool of US$2m for FY25.
This will make awards to offset capital expenditures incurred by entering the offshore wind sector and funding for industry events.
Maryland Energy Administration director Paul G Pinsky said: “By providing training opportunities for Marylanders to learn the skills needed to get nicely paying jobs in the renewable energy economy and promoting ways to get the materials Maryland needs to build this promising industry here both faster and cheaper, these programs are moving the needle on clean energy development for Maryland.
“Offshore wind energy development makes a ton of sense for a state dedicated to delivering a clean energy future, and the green energy industry holds immense promise for Marylanders. These programs help both prosper.”
The Maryland Offshore Wind Education & Workforce Program will be open until November 29, 2024.
The Maryland Offshore Wind Supply Chain Investment Program will remain open until December 15, 2024.