Wind Power News: Maryland
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Locals worry wind and solar will gobble up forests and farms
Massachusetts has installed solar panels faster than almost any other state as it seeks to reduce its carbon emissions. But some activists say the state’s transition to renewable energy has come at a cost. “We have big multinational solar companies coming and cutting down forests,” said Jane Winn, executive director of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, a nonprofit in the state. “They’re not doing a good job of it, so they’re allowing erosion into wetlands. We’re trying to connect our . . . Complete story »
Ørsted delays offshore wind farm project completion date
OCEAN CITY – One of two approved offshore wind energy projects planned off Ocean City has informed a state regulatory agency its target date for operation has now been moved to 2026. In 2017, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved two offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Ocean City, including Ørsted’s Skipjack project. Technically, the PSC awarded Offshore Renewable Energy Credits, or ORECs, to the two successful bidders, including the Skipjack project. The PSC’s awarding of the ORECs . . . Complete story »
Offshore wind turbine location concerns resurface
OCEAN CITY – The long-dormant debate about the development of offshore wind energy farms off the coast and their distance from shore bubbled to the surface at this week’s Mayor and Council meeting. In 2017, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved two offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Ocean City. Technically, the PSC awarded Offshore Renewable Energy Credits, or ORECs, to the two successful bidders seeking to develop wind energy farms off the coast of the resort including . . . Complete story »
Orsted announces Skipjack Wind Farm project will be delayed again
OCEAN CITY, Md. – The completion of one of two proposed wind farms off the coast of Ocean City has been delayed for the second time this year, according to the company in charge of the project. The completion of the Skipjack Wind Farm, which is being built by Ørsted, is facing another delay, according to comments by Ørsted CEO Henrik Poulsen last week. “Assuming the permitting process starts moving within the first quarter of next year, it appears highly likely . . . Complete story »
Hogan signs regional compact to promote offshore wind — but Md. projects move slowly
The headline news is that the governors of Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia signed a compact on Thursday to collaborate and advance offshore wind projects and to promote the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast as hubs for the industry. In reality, it’s another twist in the tortured debate over bringing wind turbines to Maryland’s waters. The announcement by Maryland Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) of his pact with Virginia Gov. Ralph S. Northam (D) and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) . . . Complete story »
Three states — Maryland, Virginia, N. Carolina — to collaborate on offshore wind projects
The windblown coastal states of Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina will join forces to build offshore power projects and promote the region as a hub for offshore wind energy and industry, the states’ governors announced Thursday. The collaboration will attempt to make it easier and more predictable for companies to work across the three states, encourage manufacturing of parts for wind turbines and other infrastructure, and reduce project costs through supply chain development, a joint news release said. “Harnessing the . . . Complete story »
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina form partnership to jointly develop offshore wind
OCEAN CITY, Md. – The governors of Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday promising to work together in the pursuit of growing the offshore wind industry off the coast of their three states. The memorandum of understanding calls for the creation of a joint partnership called the Mid-Atlantic Regional Transformative Partnership for Offshore Wind Energy Resources (SMART-POWER), according to a copy of the agreement. That partnership will include a new leadership team made up of representatives . . . Complete story »
Larger offshore wind turbines approved off Ocean City. Here’s what you need to know.
OCEAN CITY, Md. – After more than a year of debate between Ocean City and Ørsted, the state of Maryland ruled the offshore wind developer can use larger wind turbines for the Skipjack Wind Farm Project. The Maryland Public Service Commission, who’s charged with regulating the Skipjack project, ruled Thursday evening on a number of issues surrounding the Ørsted project, to be located more than 20 miles off the coast of Ocean City. The decision by the commission stems from Ørsted’s . . . Complete story »
Maryland regulators approve larger offshore wind turbines, order developer to work with Ocean City officials
Maryland utility regulators green lighted a Danish company’s plans to build offshore wind turbines larger than originally proposed, but ordered the developer to work with Ocean City officials who fear the turbines could disrupt tourism. The Maryland Public Service Commission announced Thursday that Skipjack Offshore Energy, a subsidiary of Danish company Ørsted, can use a wind turbine that is more than 800 feet tall – about 200 feet larger than its initial proposal. Ocean City leaders objected to the change last . . . Complete story »
Maryland regulators OK change to jumbo wind turbines for Skipjack project
Ørsted announced that the Maryland Public Service Commission’s the Skipjack Wind Farm’s use of GE Haliade-X 12 megawatt wind turbines. The wind farm is slated to be located off the Maryland and Delaware coasts off Fenwick Island and Ocean City. The turbine is the most powerful in the world and is as tall as a 55-story building. GE claims the wind turbines produce electricity at a lower cost than competitors. “Ørsted is pleased that the Maryland Public Service Commission approved . . . Complete story »
