US Wind has officially received state permits to connect its offshore wind power project to the regional electrical grid in Sussex County, Delaware. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has approved three critical permit applications for the Maryland Offshore Wind project, marking a significant milestone in the development of renewable energy in the region.
Key Permit Approvals
The permits granted include the Subaqueous Lands Permit, Wetlands Permit, and Beach Preservation Coastal Construction Permit. These approvals are essential for advancing US Wind’s onshore development activities and facilitating the project’s integration into Delaware’s energy infrastructure.
US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski commented, “This is an important step forward. After a thorough, science-based review by DNREC’s experts and feedback from the public, we are thrilled to have secured these final approvals to move forward on delivering massive amounts of clean energy to the region.”
Benefits of Offshore Wind
Grybowski emphasized that offshore wind will significantly lower electricity bills for Delaware residents, meet the region’s urgent demand for additional electricity, and enhance air quality across the state, all while creating local jobs. He stated, “These projects will be a home run for the people of Delaware for decades to come.”
Project Details
DNREC’s final approvals enable US Wind to responsibly land its power cables beneath the 3R’s Beach parking lot in the Delaware Seashore State Park and safely route them under the Indian River Bay. This will ultimately connect to the regional electrical grid at Delmarva Power and Light’s Indian River substation in Dagsboro, Delaware.
Federal Advancements
These state-level permit approvals come shortly after significant advancements on the federal level. Last week, US Wind announced that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) had issued its final approval of the Construction and Operations Plan (COP), marking the completion of the federal permitting process for US Wind’s project.
Conclusion
With these approvals, US Wind is poised to make substantial contributions to Delaware’s renewable energy landscape, helping the state transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Sources
- Delaware DNREC – Permit Approvals for Offshore Wind
- US Wind – Maryland Offshore Wind Project Update
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management – Final Approval Announcement
