In testimony this week (1/26) before the Senate Finance Committee of the Maryland State Senate, US Wind Inc. Director of Project Development Paul Rich detailed progress of the offshore wind project that was initiated following the passage of the Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 by the Maryland General Assembly. US Wind's project was approved to receive offshore renewable energy credits (ORECs) on May 17, 2017. The project, involving the placement of 32 wind turbines at a distance of 17 miles from Ocean City, (as far east in its federally designated wind energy area as possible) will generate approximately 268 Megawatt (MW) of energy.
During the hearing, chaired by Finance Chair Senator Thomas M. Middleton, Mr. Rich detailed several recent advances in its progress toward creating its wind farm that will result in the creation of nearly 3000 skilled jobs during the Development and Construction phase, and an additional 4100 jobs during the 20-year operating period.
US Wind announced that it has recently signed a letter of intent with Salisbury-based Devreco to establish and operate US Wind's operation and maintenance (O&M) facility in Ocean City and its laydown and handling facility at Tradepoint Atlantic (TPA) in Baltimore. The O&M facility will eventually provide support services for the 25-year life of the offshore wind farm. "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.
During his testimony, Mr. 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.
Concluding his testimony, Mr. Rich noted that, US Wind is continuing to evaluate emerging turbine technology in an effort to reduce the number of turbine units, while maintaining at least 250 MegaWatts of capacity. Recent innovations in turbine technology allow US Wind to consider using turbines that are 8.4MW in size. This would result in decreasing the number of turbines while still complying with the Public Service Commission (PSC) order, but utilizing the most modern technology available.
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