Offshore Wind Wire

A Baltimore-based environmental advocacy group released a report this month calling on the state of Maryland to develop offshore wind by 2014.

Environment Maryland was formerly part of the Maryland Public Interest Research Group and is still affiliated with PIRG, according to the Web sites of both organizations.  In its report, “The Power of Offshore Wind,” Environment Maryland said the state’s electricity system is in a “crisis.”

“Wind turbines deployed offshore could deliver large amounts of pollution-free electricity at a stable price – a bargain-rate insurance policy against unpredictable spikes in the cost of electricity and against the serious prospect of global warming,” Environment Maryland said in a news release issued with the report.  “Offshore wind stands out as one of Maryland’s best local clean energy solutions.”

The organization said Maryland should follow the lead of Delaware, which used legislation to push forward a 450 megawatt offshore wind project.  The report calls for the Maryland Public Service Commission to solicit proposals and direct utilities to negotiate long term power purchase agreements.

The commission “should take action to encourage development of the state’s offshore wind energy resources, setting a goal of commercial operation of the first major offshore wind farm by 2014,” Environment Maryland said.

In November, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Delaware and Virginia, pledging to collaborate on offshore wind development.