Maryland Offshore Wind Project secures approval from Biden-Harris administration

The Biden-Harris administration has marked a significant milestone in its offshore wind development efforts by approving US Wind Inc.’s Maryland Offshore Wind Project, the nation’s tenth commercial-scale offshore wind energy project.

The approval aligns with the administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030, with over 15 GW already approved, representing half of the target. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create jobs, drive economic growth, and address climate change through clean energy.

The Maryland Offshore Wind Project, approved by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), is set to generate over 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, sufficient to power 718,000 homes. It will be located approximately 8.7 nautical miles offshore Maryland and 9 nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware. The project will involve the construction of up to 114 wind turbine generators, offshore substations, and export cable corridors. Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis emphasized that the approval reflects the administration’s commitment to expediting the federal permitting process and building a clean energy economy. “Our work to approve the nation’s first ten commercial-scale offshore wind projects is the result of tenacious public servants and the administration’s commitment to expedite the federal permitting process,” she said.

Accelerating the U.S. Offshore Wind Industry

The Maryland Offshore Wind Project consists of three planned phases, including the proposed installation of up to 114 wind turbines and offshore substations. It is expected to support nearly 2,680 jobs annually over seven years. It is part of the administration’s efforts to spur $12 billion in annual capital investment along U.S. coasts, create over 44,000 offshore wind jobs, and produce enough power to meet the needs of over 10 million homes, while reducing CO2 emissions by 78 million metric tons annually.

US Wind Inc. is primarily owned by Renexia SpA, an Italian renewable energy leader and a subsidiary of Toto Holding SpA. Toto Holding, known for over 40 years of experience in large-scale construction and infrastructure, focuses on sectors like energy and transportation. In 2020, Apollo Global Management joined as strategic investors in US Wind, further bolstering its financial strength and growth potential in the offshore wind sector.

White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi noted the transformative impact of these projects, stating that the tenth project approval “shows tremendous progress in harnessing economic opportunities that benefit both American workers and the planet.” The administration has been pushing for infrastructure upgrades, new tax credits, and streamlined permitting to support the offshore wind sector.

Challenges and Future Opportunities

While there are challenges, such as balancing environmental concerns and community interests, the administration’s proactive approach is creating substantial opportunities for renewable energy developers and local economies. The Maryland Offshore Wind Project exemplifies how strategic government actions can drive the transition to a clean energy future.

A Vision for Clean Energy Transformation

The Biden-Harris administration’s continued focus on expanding offshore wind capacity is pivotal for achieving the nation’s climate goals. With approvals like the Maryland Offshore Wind Project by US Wind Inc., the U.S. is set to become a global leader in renewable energy, fostering a clean energy revolution that creates jobs, reduces carbon emissions, and provides sustainable power to millions.