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The federal government has approved a plan to install 114 wind turbines off the coast of Ocean City, a project developed by US Wind. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has issued the final permit for the Construction and Operations Plan, marking the end of the federal approval process. However, the project faces opposition from the Town of Ocean City, which has sued to block the development, citing concerns about its impact on the tourist economy and real estate industry. President-elect Donald Trump has also expressed opposition to offshore wind.
US Wind officials, on the other hand, have celebrated the approval, stating that the project will produce significant amounts of homegrown energy and create local jobs. The project includes the construction of wind turbine generators, offshore substation platforms, a meteorological tower, and offshore export cable corridors. The electricity generated is expected to power more than 600,000 homes in the region when fully operational.
Industry experts have praised the Maryland project as the 10th commercial-scale development to receive government approval, calling it a significant achievement for the U.S. offshore wind industry. US Wind plans to land the electric cables in Delaware and hopes to contribute to the region’s critical need for more electricity. Despite the opposition, the project is moving forward with the support of federal approval.
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Photo credit marylandmatters.org
