Maryland governor Wes Moore (pictured) has set a target of 8500MW of offshore wind being developed in the state’s waters.
Governor Moore announced that Maryland will aim to quadruple the amount of energy produced by offshore wind from the previous goal of about 2GW.
The governor said the state has plans to significantly increase its offshore wind output and prioritise wind energy partnerships, creating significant economic and job creation opportunities.
He also announced that the administration is working to establish new lease areas and strengthen the offshore wind supply chain in the state.
Meanwhile, the Maryland General Assembly is set to pass the complementary Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act of 2023, which also calls for Maryland to boost its offshore wind generation goals to 8.5GW, improve its transmission infrastructure, and provide a pathway to future procurement of offshore wind energy in the state.
Speaking at the 2023 International Partnering Forum in Baltimore, Governor Moore said: “Our administration is serious about offshore wind, and Maryland is ready to lead.
“We need all hands on deck in this crucial moment – so we can strengthen Maryland’s supply chain, leverage our state’s assets, and put Marylanders to work in clean energy jobs centered on logistics and manufacturing.
“If we join together in partnership, we can make Maryland the offshore wind capital of the United States.”
US Wind chief executive Jeff Grybowski said: “Governor Moore’s announcement is a homerun for the people of Maryland.
“He has a big and bold vision that aims to make Maryland the national leader in this new industry and create thousands of jobs in the process.
“Governor Moore is the person we need right now to achieve a clean energy future for Maryland.”
The governor’s announcement comes on the heels of US Wind’s new partnership with Haizea Wind Group to manage and operate Sparrows Point Steel, Maryland’s first permanent offshore wind factory in Baltimore County, Maryland.
The facility will manufacture steel components for the US offshore wind industry, including monopiles and towers, while creating hundreds of jobs for local unions and minority businesses, the developer said.