The US government has approved the 2GW Maryland offshore wind project, making it the tenth commercial-scale offshore wind energy initiative to be approved during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
This US Wind project will create 2,680 jobs annually up to 2031.
Located 8.7 nautical miles offshore Maryland and 9 nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware, the lease for the project comprises three planned phases and includes the installation of 114 turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms, one meteorological tower, and up to four offshore export cable corridors.
The project’s first two phases, MarWin and Momentum Wind, have already secured offshore renewable energy certificates from the State of Maryland.
On 29 July 2024, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project, which reviewed the potential environmental effects of the construction and operations plan, as well as looking at reasonable alternatives.
In October 2023, BOEM conducted two in-person and two virtual public meetings to solicit input on the draft EIS from stakeholders, including Tribal Nations, local community members, commercial fishing interests and other ocean users.
Following a thorough review and consideration of the feedback obtained during the environmental review process, BOEM has implemented measures to avoid, minimise and mitigate potential environmental impacts of the project.
The US Interior Department has now approved more than 15GW of offshore wind energy projects. This figure represents half of the US target of 30GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
BOEM director Elizabeth Klein stated: “BOEM has responded to President Biden’s ambitious vision for a clean energy future with enthusiasm, innovation and collaboration.
“Today’s approval of US Wind’s Maryland offshore wind project reflects the best available science and invaluable insights from Tribes, government agencies, local communities, industry leaders, ocean users and environmental groups gathered during our extensive environmental review process.”
The Biden-Harris Administration has also announced an investment of $430m to upgrade hydropower infrastructure in the US.
As part of the Investing in America agenda, the Department of Energy announced the selection of 293 hydroelectric projects across 33 states.
