The US has greenlit the construction of a major offshore wind farm off the coast of Maryland. US Wind has been awarded the contract to build a 114-turbine facility, with a total capacity of 2,200 MW, enough to power 770,000 homes. The project is a significant step toward Maryland’s goal of 8,500 MW of offshore wind energy by 2031.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued its Record of Decision for the project, allowing construction to begin. The wind farm will also boost Maryland's economy, creating up to 530 jobs, including hundreds for unionized steelworkers. US Wind plans to revive steel fabrication at the former Bethlehem Steel facility in Dundalk as part of the project.

The wind turbines, set to be spaced about a mile apart, will have minimal visual impact from the shore. An advanced aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) will keep turbine lights off 99% of the time, only activating when low-flying aircraft are detected.

This project is part of a broader US effort to increase offshore wind capacity, with over 15 GW of approved projects, 5 GW under construction, and more than 300 MW currently operational. US Wind also holds lease rights to an 80,000-acre area off Ocean City, which could add up to 2 GW of additional offshore wind energy.

Source: interestingengineering.com