A bill introduced in the Delaware Senate may revive US Wind’s plans for onshore substations in Sussex County. Proposed on May 21 and reviewed by the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee on June 2, the legislation aims to overturn Sussex County Council’s rejection of US Wind’s permit.
The developer intends to route export cables from its 2 GW Maryland offshore wind lease beneath 3R’s Beach parking lot in Delaware Seashore State Park. Cables will run under Indian River Bay, emerging near Indian River Power Plant to connect with new substations adjacent to an existing one, then link to the regional grid at Delmarva Power and Light’s substation.
In December 2024, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) approved US Wind’s applications including Subaqueous Lands Permit and Beach Preservation Coastal Construction Permit, facilitating grid connection in Sussex County.
Despite this, Sussex County Council denied US Wind’s conditional use permit for the onshore infrastructure on December 17, prompting US Wind to appeal to Delaware Superior Court.
The pending court ruling might be impacted by the new bill, which, if passed, would permit US Wind to proceed with its onshore construction plans.
The bill, Senate Bill No. 159, amends Subchapter I, Chapter 9, Title 26 of Delaware Code. It prevents counties from denying permits for renewable energy projects in heavy industrial zones, applying retroactively.
“This Act mandates permitting of an electric substation as a conditional use in heavy industrial zones under specified conditions, including support for a renewable energy project of at least 250 MW,” according to the bill synopsis.
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) approved US Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan for Maryland offshore projects in December 2024. The plan includes up to 114 wind turbines, four offshore substations, and three onshore substations.
US Wind secured offshore wind renewable energy credits (ORECs) from the Maryland Public Service Commission in 2017 and 2021 for over 1,056 MW in two projects. In July 2024, under new legislation, US Wind applied to sell 6,966,836 MWh of offshore wind energy annually to Maryland. Approval in January enabled the company to install 1,710 MW of capacity in four phases.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz