Maryland Offshore Wind Project in US Gets Construction Plan Approval

December 4, 2024, by Adnan Memija

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has approved the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for the up to 2 GW Maryland offshore wind farm.

The approval represents the agency’s completion of the final permit in US Wind’s federal permitting application.

“After more than four years of rigorous and robust analysis, we are thrilled to have secured this final BOEM approval. US Wind’s projects will produce massive amounts of homegrown energy and will help satisfy the region’s critical need for more electricity, all while supporting good local jobs,” said Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO.

The approved offshore wind project includes multiple-phase construction and operation of up to 114 turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms, one meteorological tower, and up to four offshore export cable corridors.

Additionally, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a Letter of Authorization to US Wind on 26 November, marking that agency’s final authorisation for US Wind’s construction in the federal lease area off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.

Two phases, known as MarWin and Momentum Wind, already have offshore renewable energy certificates from the State of Maryland.

“I am pleased to announce BOEM’s approval of our nation’s tenth commercial-scale offshore wind energy project. This project will power over 718,000 homes and support almost 2,680 jobs annually over seven years,” said Elizabeth Klein, BOEM Director.

Located approximately 8.7 nautical miles offshore Maryland and about 9 nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware, the Maryland offshore wind project is expected to generate over 2 GW of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula.

The wind farm received approval from the Department of the Interior in September this year. In July, BOEM released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for US Wind’s Maryland project.

In addition to building MarWin and Momentum Wind, US Wind also plans to establish Maryland’s first permanent offshore wind component factory – Sparrows Point Steel.

“Today, Maryland Offshore Wind became the 10th approved commercial-scale project, another significant achievement for the U.S. offshore wind industry. The first project for the State of Maryland, it will deliver a host of economic benefits while helping to meet our nation’s growing energy demand,” said Liz Burdock, Oceantic Network Founder and CEO.

“Maryland Offshore Wind will create American jobs by harnessing a strong, local offshore wind supply chain. US Wind has advanced plans to bring steel fabrication back to the old Bethlehem Steel facility in Dundalk, and the project will support a variety of other industries throughout its life cycle.”