US Wind, Maryland’s leader in wind energy development, announced this Tuesday major steps towards the concretion of two new wind energy projects in the state; that would ultimately transform the state into one of the most competitive hubs for the sector.
Firstly, the company announced that it has secured labor agreements to support the first offshore wind energy project in the state; the 22- turbine MarWin project. It also announced a new port facility agreement with Tradepoint Atlantic; to develop 90 waterfront acres into a new offshore deployment hub, where US Wind will initially invest $77 million.
Secondly, the company also announced expansion plans for development of up to an additional 1,200 MW of offshore energy with the new Momentum Wind project; and a proposal for a new steel fabrication facility in Baltimore County; the Sparrows Point Steel, that will be built alongside the Momentum project.
Thirdly, about the Momentum project and the Sparrows Point Steel, the company’s CEO, Jeff Grybowski, said. “Developing Momentum and Sparrows Point Steel at full capacity will give Maryland the opportunity to bring steel back to Baltimore; and also become the epicenter of offshore wind manufacturing.”
Moreover, at full capacity Momentum project would include up to 82 turbines and will be Maryland’s most ambitious clean energy projects. On the other hand, Sparrows Point Steel will be the state’s first manufacturing facility; dedicated to the creation of offshore turbines foundations, also known as monopiles.
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Projects from US Wind to generate over $1 billion in labor income
In addition, under the terms of the agreement with Tradepoint Atlantic, US Wind will invest $150 million for the development of the plant; the funds will come from the investment already done in the MarWin project, in the form of an incremental.
Furthermore, Sparrows Point Steel has the potential to be one of the largest offshore wind staging ports in the United States; in fact, due to its strategic location and accesses; the facility will be one of the most competitive wind logistics hubs on the East Coast; capable of staging and delivering several wind components, such as nacelle, towers, and also, blades, as well as foundations.
On the other hand, the building of the 1,200 MW of the Momentum project will generate 3,500 direct jobs in the region. Together, the manufacturing facility along with the generation project; will generate more than $1 billion in labor income over 20 years; and increase Maryland’s GDP by $6.9 billion over 20 years.
Finally, state Governor, Larry Hogan, said. “Maryland is proud to continue to be an example of strong environmental leadership; and I am confident that we will be a leader in offshore wind development for decades to come.”
