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  Hydrokinetic News

MMS talks offshore renewable energy with Maryland officials

As yet untouched, Maryland's waters could provide two thirds of the state's electricity supplies

The federal Minerals Management Service met with officials in Maryland on Wednesday to discuss the development of offshore renewable energy projects in the state waters.

The MMS, an agency of the US Department of the Interior, is forming a number of inter-governmental task forces to consult with local, state, tribal and federal parties with an interest in renewable energy developments on the Outer continental Shelf.

Wednesday’s meeting in Annapolis involved the Maryland Energy Administration, and began the process of drawing up a commercial leasing process for the Outer Continental Shelf off Maryland.

Officials discussed the MMS plans for commercial leasing generally, as well as looking at issues and timelines specific to Maryland.

Forum

MMS Director Liz Birnbaum said: “The MMS-Maryland Task Force will provide a forum for everyone to work together on siting proposed renewable energy projects off the coast of Maryland. MMS looks forward to the input, advice, and participation of this task force as we initiate planning for offshore commercial renewable energy leasing.”

President Obama set the ball rolling on offshore renewable energy developments back in April 2009, with a framework finalized at the MMS to establish a process for granting leases and development rights for renewable energy in the Atlantic.

In a state that is yet to complete its first utility-scale onshore wind project, Maryland sees considerable potential for offshore wind development in its waters.

clean energy generated from offshore wind may prove to be vital for our State’s energy and environmental future” - Malcolm Woolf, MEA

A study published in February suggested that offshore wind turbines could provide 67% of the state’s electricity needs (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

New Jersey-based company NRG Bluewater Wind has been proposing an offshore wind project for Maryland waters since 2008.

“Offshore wind energy offers vast potential to create jobs for our workers and to help stabilize electric costs for our families while also increasing grid stability,” said MEA Director Malcolm Woolf.

“As we continue our commitment to promote a Smart, Green and Growing Maryland, the benefits of the clean energy generated from offshore wind may prove to be vital for our State’s energy and environmental future. The Task Force will be a critical component of Maryland’s ability to strategically and responsibly move towards a new clean energy economy.”