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 | [email protected] | 504-444-3766
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 committment to offshore wind’s development in the state.
The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of the Business Network for Offshore Wind:
“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 at [email protected] or 504-444-3766.
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The Business Network for Offshore Wind is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a robust offshore wind supply chain in the U.S. It advances the industry forward through education, facilitating partnerships, and events, including the International Offshore Wind Partnership Forum, the largest offshore wind conference in America. Learn more at offshorewindus.org.