Ørsted and US Wind Back Maryland CEJA Passing

US Wind Inc and Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind have expressed their support to Maryland passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) and the plans to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2040.

As reported, CEJA will see the development of 1.2GW of additional offshore wind capacity in Maryland by 2030.

In May 2017, this US East Coast state approved two offshore wind projects through the process established in current law, US Wind’s MarWin project and Deepwater Wind’s, now part of Ørsted, Skipjack project.

The 120MW Skipjack project is expected to be fully commissioned by 2022, while US Wind’s 268MW offshore wind farm is scheduled to become operational in 2023.

“Enactment of the Clean Energy Jobs Act dramatically expands offshore wind energy capacity in Maryland and will support an estimated 25,000 local jobs and $1.5 billion in worker and business income,” said Thomas Brostrøm, President and CEO of Ørsted North America.

“This is a clear win for Maryland workers and will give many more Marylanders access to clean, reliable electricity. We look forward to partnering with local communities, businesses, and policymakers to ensure Maryland enjoys the immense benefits of offshore wind energy.”

According to US Wind Inc, the benefits of the Senate Bill 516 are expected to include the creation of between 5,000 and 7,000 direct jobs and thousands of tons more of carbon emissions reduced or avoided.

The company also believes that an additional USD 18 million will be deposited in the Offshore Wind Business Development Fund and circa USD 5 billion in new capital expenditures.

“Offshore wind is one of the few clean, renewable energy sources that must provide in-state jobs and is key to generating clean air benefits for all Marylanders,” said Salvo Vitale, Country Manager of US Wind Inc.

“The additional offshore wind goal called for in the Clean Energy Jobs Act will help reassert Maryland’s position as a leader in offshore wind energy generation while also delivering significant economic and job-creation benefits and clean energy independence within the State for generations to come. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that these ambitious and admirable objectives become reality.”