US Wind Picks Maryland Offshore Wind Bases

US Wind has signed a letter of intent with Devreco to establish and operate an O&M facility in Ocean City, as well as a laydown and handling facility at Tradepoint Atlantic in Baltimore.

The O&M facility will be used to operate US Wind’s proposed wind farm offshore Ocean City in Maryland, US, for a period of 25 years, the company’s Director of Project Development Paul Rich said during a testimony before the Senate Finance Committee of the Maryland State Senate.

Rich noted that US Wind is considering using 8.4MW turbines in an effort to reduce the number of turbines while maintaining the capacity of at least 250MW, emphasizing that this would still comply with the Public Service Commission (PSC) order.

During the hearing, Rich also announced the creation of an Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Development Coalition that will bring the offshore wind companies together with representatives of community colleges, universities, labor unions, minority and local small businesses to create a skilled workforce to support an offshore wind industry for decades to come.

In addition, US Wind’s Director detailed several recent advances that could result in the creation of nearly 3,000 skilled jobs during the development and construction phase, and an additional 4,100 during the 20-year operating period.

“This is a significant and tangible step toward realizing the bold vision of the Maryland General Assembly to create a vibrant wind energy sector in Maryland which will deliver substantial economic development and job creation for years to come,” said US Wind President and CEO Riccardo Toto.

In May last year, US Wind’s project was approved to receive offshore renewable energy credits (ORECs).

Located 17 miles from Ocean City, the wind farm will generate approximately 268MW and is expected to be operational in January 2020.