US Wind Mulls Moving 750MW OWF Five More Miles from Coast

US Wind sent a letter to the Ocean City Council on 7 April, offering to discuss the potential relocation of its proposed Maryland offshore wind project further eastward to address the Council’s desire to lessen the visibility of the project.

The relocation involves moving the beginning of the 750MW offshore wind farm up to five miles eastward, which would reduce the visibility of any structures by more than 35 percent, according to US Wind’s estimates.

The letter follows the company’s presentation during the City Council meeting on 3 April, when Council members discussed various aspects of US Wind’s proposal.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with public officials and partners to ensure that we bring the best possible project to Maryland,” said Paul Rich, US Wind’s director of project development. “We hear the Ocean City Council loud and clear and want to demonstrate a willingness to improve the project by working with the City Council and Mayor.”

The project would comprise up to 187 turbines and produce power for more than 500,000 households. The project is anticipated to come online in early 2020, with an operational life expectancy of more than 25 years.