US Wind, Inc., has announced the start of an export cable route survey to prepare the final layout design for an 80,000 acre wind power project off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.
US Wind contracted with Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey, Inc. and their vessel R/V Shearwater to conduct data collection along the 35-mile cable route from the project site through Indian River Bay to a power plant near Millsboro, Delaware.
The Shearwater will take sediment core samples at 36 locations along to route to test the composition of the sediment to ensure it is safe for the power cable. This work is expected to take approximately two weeks.
“This is a significant milestone in our effort to bring offshore wind – and its many benefits – to Maryland,” said Paul Rich, Director of Project Development for US Wind, Inc.
“Over the coming months, we will be undertaking more activities to ensure the success of this project and position Maryland as the East Coast hub for the booming offshore wind industry.”
In addition to the marine survey, upcoming activities include constructing and installing a meteorological station to assess weather conditions at the site.
According to US Wind, Maryland is poised to develop the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind farm. The 750 MW project would construct up to 187 turbines and produce power for more than 500,000 homes.
“As the ‘first mover’ for this new American industry, Maryland will become the epicenter of the industry and East Coast hub for offshore wind economic activity – providing us a new, robust industry for a generation,” said Rich. “This will bring much-needed jobs to Eastern Shore areas that really need them.”
In 2014, US Wind bid on and was awarded two leases offshore of Ocean City, Maryland by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
US Winds also holds the lease for the North Lease Area in New Jersey, and has responded to a Call for Information and Nominations to acquire commercial wind leases in four areas offshore South Carolina.