Maryland announces funding for offshore wind supply chain

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced Thursday that the Maryland Energy Administration will provide more than $6 million in grant funding for emerging businesses and workforce development in the offshore wind industry.

“Offshore wind energy production holds immense promise for Maryland, both in terms of the clean power it can produce and the well-paying jobs it stands to create,” Moore. “The Maryland Energy Administration is dedicated to promoting both the electricity and jobs generated by offshore wind development, and the expansion of the Maryland Offshore Wind Grant Program Portfolio underscores this dedication.”

The Maryland Offshore Wind Grant Program Portfolio will provide grants for two programs – the Maryland Offshore Wind Supply Chain Investment Program, formerly known as the Capital Expenditure program, and the Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce and Education Program.

The Supply Chain Investment Program will provide up to $1.5 million in grant funding to support new and existing business entering the offshore wind supply chain in Maryland, the funds will be split between Market Entry Reporting and Planning, a program that helps offset the costs of retaining a consultant to develop a market entry plan for businesses looking to enter the offshore wind industry; a capital expenditures program, that offsets the capital expenditures a business may need to enter the offshore wind industry; and an Industry Events fund that provides up to $5,000 for a business to attend a domestic offshore wind and marine technology industry event.

“Governor Moore shares the commitment of unlocking the promise of offshore wind energy and has directed our team to act with boldness and urgency in doing so,” Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky said. “We look forward to delivering on his vision.”

The state will also provide $2 million in grants to fund the support of offshore wind education, workforce training and internship programs.