In a significant milestone for the U.S. renewable energy sector, the Department of the Interior announced on December 3, 2024, the approval of the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project. Positioned approximately ten nautical miles off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland, and nine nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware, this ambitious project is set to deliver up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy. With the capacity to power over 718,000 homes, it represents a bold step toward achieving state and federal clean energy targets while strengthening the local economy.
Spanning three phases of development—MarWin, Momentum Wind, and future expansions—the project has secured Renewable Energy Certificates (ORECs) from the State of Maryland, ensuring its alignment with state energy goals. These phases will collectively address the growing demand for clean energy across the Delmarva Peninsula, marking a shift away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The approved plan includes a comprehensive design featuring up to 114 wind turbine generators (WTGs), four offshore substations, one meteorological tower, and subsea transmission cables that connect the offshore components to the grid in Sussex County, Delaware. This modern infrastructure will generate clean energy and establish the region as a hub for offshore wind development.
Beyond its environmental contributions, the Maryland Offshore Wind Project is poised to deliver significant economic benefits. During the development and construction phases, the project is expected to support nearly 2,680 jobs annually over seven years. These positions will span various sectors, including engineering, construction, logistics, and environmental monitoring.
In addition to direct employment, the project will spur investments in supply chain development and workforce training. Engaging local businesses and fostering partnerships with educational institutions aims to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the offshore wind industry.
The journey to this historic approval has been marked by extensive planning, collaboration, and public engagement:
Public input was vital, with over 400 comments received during community sessions and formal hearings. These insights shaped the project’s environmental safeguards and operational protocols.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has issued multiple permits requiring US Wind to implement measures that minimize ecological disruption and support community interests. Key provisions include:
As the nation’s tenth commercial-scale offshore wind project, the Maryland Offshore Wind Project underscores the United States’ ambition to lead in renewable energy. It aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, as outlined in Executive Order 14008.
The project also highlights the increasing importance of regional collaboration in achieving energy independence. Connecting Delaware and Maryland through a shared energy grid fosters resilience and strengthens the Mid-Atlantic region’s energy infrastructure.
Construction on the Maryland Offshore Wind Project will commence in 2025. It is poised to redefine the renewable energy landscape and serve as a model for how large-scale clean energy projects can simultaneously advance economic development, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
For more details, the Record of Decision and supporting documents are available on BOEM’s website.
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