The global demand for renewable energy continues to flourish, and in the United States, many states continue to become a part of the emerging industry, as it develops its offshore wind power. Maryland, in particular, is positioned to be at the forefront of the offshore wind industry—dubbed as its very own ‘Silicon Valley—with its rich potential and viable resources ready to be harnessed, and benefit its community and the environment. In fact, the state leads the United States in the development of the offshore wind industry, due to the Offshore Renewable Energy Credit (OREC).

As it is so, it is imperative for U.S. Wind to actively and continuously work with Marylanders every step of the way to usher in a sustainable, modern, and clean energy economy, thousands of highly skilled full-equivalent (FTE) jobs, and significant economic development to the state, especially in areas such as lower Eastern Shore and Baltimore’s industrial areas that need it the most.

Taking on this project will not be possible without a strong show of support from the community. The December 2017 poll conducted by OpinionWorks revealed a favorable response—74 percent—from Baltimore County and Eastern Shore voters, and expressed that they favored state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 50 percent, with 46 percent of those said they strongly favored the increase. Steve Raabe, OpinionWorks’ president said of the results, “These strong numbers indicate that voters have an appetite, almost an impatience, for renewable energy in Maryland, including in these swing legislative districts.”

U.S. Wind’s 722 MW (megawatt) project includes an investment of between $3.6 to 3.8 billion. And pursuant to Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC) order issued May of last year, the company shall cause directly the creation of the following minimum level of new in-State jobs, measured in full-time equivalents: 1,298 direct development/construction period jobs, and 2,282 direct operating period jobs.

On the ground, U.S. Wind is currently headquartered in Baltimore, with six employees (four of which reside in Baltimore City). In 2016, minority investor solicitations have already been initiated, pursuant to the approved plan of Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs (GOMA) and we currently have five minority businesses under contract. U.S. Wind has also work with at least six businesses in the city; has ongoing engagement with city agencies and organizations including the Mayor’s Office of Economic & Neighborhood Development and Mayor’s Office of Employment Development; and has conducted five Supply Chain and Workforce Development Forums with Baltimore City and linked strategic alliances with various workers unions.

In addition, U.S. Wind will also use a port facility located in the greater Baltimore region to serve as the marshaling port; a port facility located in the Ocean City, Maryland region to serve as the operations and maintenance port; shall locate a permanent operations center for the Qualified Offshore Wind Project within the State of Maryland for the life of the project; shall invest in a Maryland steel fabrication plant in the minimum amount of $51 million; and shall invest in upgrades at the Tradepoint Atlantic shipyard, or a comparable Maryland port facility, in the minimum amount of $26.4 million.