The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has approved a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for a Maryland offshore wind farm with a capacity of up to 2 GW.
This approval marks the completion of US Wind’s federal permitting application with the agency.
“After more than four years of rigorous analysis, we are thrilled to have secured this final BOEM approval. US Wind’s projects will produce a vast amount of energy and support local jobs,” said Jeff Grybowski, CEO of US Wind.
The project will involve phased construction and operation of up to 114 turbines, four offshore substation platforms, and multiple cable corridors.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a Letter of Authorization on November 26 for construction in the federal lease area near Ocean City, Maryland.
Phases named MarWin and Momentum Wind have received energy certificates from Maryland.
“I am pleased to announce BOEM’s approval of our nation’s tenth commercial-scale offshore wind energy project. This will power over 718,000 homes and support nearly 2,680 jobs annually over seven years,” said Elizabeth Klein, BOEM Director.
Located about 8.7 nautical miles off Maryland and 9 nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware, the project will generate over 2 GW of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula.
The Department of the Interior approved the wind farm in September. In July, BOEM released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
US Wind plans to create Maryland’s first permanent offshore wind factory, Sparrows Point Steel.
“Today, Maryland Offshore Wind became the 10th approved commercial-scale project, marking another achievement for the U.S. offshore wind industry. It will deliver economic benefits and meet energy demand,” said Liz Burdock, Oceantic Network CEO.
“Maryland Offshore Wind will create American jobs by harnessing a local offshore wind supply chain. US Wind aims to reinstate steel fabrication at the old Bethlehem Steel facility in Dundalk,” added Burdock.
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