The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the construction and operations plan (COP) for the 2-GW Maryland Offshore Wind Project, granting US Wind the final federal permit required to begin construction. This project will involve the construction of more than 100 wind turbines off the coasts of Maryland and Delaware, contributing to the growth of the U.S. offshore wind supply chain. The approval aligns with efforts to strengthen the industry, with US Wind planning to bring steel fabrication back to the former Bethlehem Steel facility in Dundalk, Maryland, which will create American jobs throughout the project’s life cycle.
The Maryland Offshore Wind Project will consist of up to 114 turbines, four offshore substations, a meteorological tower, and subsea transmission cables that will land in Sussex County, Delaware. The project is located about 10 nautical miles off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. US Wind, which acquired the 80,000-acre lease in 2014, has spent over four years securing permits for the project. It aims for a groundbreaking in 2026, with offshore construction scheduled to begin in 2028.
The project has received positive backing from industry groups, with Liz Burdock, CEO of the Oceantic Network, highlighting the job creation potential and the positive impact on the local supply chain. Anne Reynolds of American Clean Power emphasized that the project would meet growing electricity demands, drive economic growth, and improve energy security in Maryland.
Additionally, US Wind has filed a rebid application for 1,710 MW of offshore wind, with plans to deliver power in phases by 2030. Maryland’s Public Service Commission has recommended approval for the application.
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) also finalized a Record of Decision on environmental measures for future offshore wind projects in New York and New Jersey. These measures, designed to mitigate environmental impacts, will be integrated into future construction and operations plans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened a public comment period for air quality permits related to the New England Wind 1 and New England Wind 2 projects.
