Act will raise state’s offshore wind goal to 8.5 GW and call for developing new transmission infrastructure
For Immediate Release: April 10, 2023
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau
BALTIMORE — The Maryland legislature passed the POWER Act today, which raises Maryland’s offshore wind goal from 2.022 GW to 8.5 GW of offshore wind generation by 2031. In addition to raising the state’s overall offshore wind goal, the legislation requires a new transmission study to guide how the state incorporates the new power into its energy grid and requires a solicitation for a planned transmission buildout.
Efforts to pass the bill were bolstered two weeks ago when at the International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced his support for this new 8.5 GW goal as he outlined his administration’s commitment to offshore wind’s development in the state.
The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of Oceantic Network:
“Today, Maryland reinserts itself into the offshore wind conversation. A decade ago, Maryland sat at the forefront of the U.S. offshore wind industry with passage of groundbreaking legislation, but the ensuing years have seen neighboring states pull ahead with bolder commitments and energy. The POWER Act repositions Maryland back into a leadership position, and with the federal government opening up new lease areas next year, offers the state a rare opportunity to attract major manufacturing and supply chain investment. Maryland must capitalize on this opportunity by moving quickly from legislation to execution and commercialization.”
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau
As a non-profit organization, the Oceantic Network’s driving purpose is to inform, coordinate, and mobilize human ingenuity, enterprise, and labor to take advantage of the urgent need to tap the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 600+ members equip communities and nations to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities.
