Maryland Energy Administration Announces $1.7 million in Awards for Fiscal Year 2022 Offshore Wind Supply Chain Development Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jahmai Sharp-Moore | 443-694-3651

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) announces $1.7 million in grant awards to six businesses and training centers under the Fiscal Year (FY) 22 Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Grant Program and the Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce Training Grant Program. The purpose of the programs is to establish an offshore wind supply chain in Maryland by helping workforce training centers and emerging businesses offset the capital expenditures needed to enter the new industry.  

“MEA’s offshore wind programs help our state achieve its goals of establishing a vigorous offshore wind supply network within Maryland”, said Dr. Mary Beth Tung, Ph.D., Esq., Director of MEA. “We are meeting the demand for clean and low carbon energy while supporting new businesses in our state”.

Maryland, along with other east coast states, have collectively committed to procuring nearly 40,000 megawatt (MW) of offshore wind capacity by 2040. A recent report by the Special Initiative for Offshore Wind at University of Delaware estimates that developing 30,000 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 presents a total revenue opportunity exceeding $100 billion for businesses in the offshore wind supply chain in the United States by 2030. The American Clean Power Association estimates this could create as many as 83,000 new jobs and generate nearly $25.4 billion of annual economic output to the US economy.

The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved 2,022.5 MW of offshore wind capacity through Maryland’s Round 1 and 2 Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credit (OREC) Program. These projects will power nearly 600,000 average Maryland homes and create more than 12,000 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the development and construction phase, and more than 3,000 direct FTE jobs during the 20 to 30 year operations and maintenance phase. These projects will support Maryland’s growing offshore wind supply chain and result in at least $1.5 billion of in-state expenditures including at least $315 million for small, minority, woman, and veteran owned businesses. Project developers have committed to investments of $40 million for port infrastructure, $76 million for steel fabrication, $150 million for monopile foundation manufacturing, $140 million for subsea cable manufacturing, and $100 million for turbine tower manufacturing.

The awardees for FY22 include: 

Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce Training Program

Baltimore City Public Schools- $400,000

Baltimore City Public Schools currently provide high school students the opportunities to explore their profession of interest and graduate with their high school diploma and an industry-recognized certification through their Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway. As a result of the opportunities created by Maryland’s emerging offshore wind industry, Baltimore City Public Schools will expand their CTE pathways to incorporate new curriculum specific to the offshore wind industry and create a summer paid training program titled “Baltimore Trains for Wind” (BTW).

Jane Addams Resource Corporation–Baltimore- $225,000

Jane Addams Resource Corporation—Baltimore (JARC—Baltimore) currently operates a Careers Manufacturing Program (CMP) at its Baltimore facility. The CMP includes the “Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Fast Track Program,” the “Welding Fast Track Program,” and “Fundamentals of Manufacturing Program.” These programs provide students with skills needed for positions in the metalworking and construction industries as well as provide students with soft skills and career readiness education. 

Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies- $320,000

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) currently operates a MM&P Maritime Advancement, Training, Education, and Safety (MM&P MATES) Program in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The MM&P MATES Program provides maritime education and training for mariners that will operate the offshore wind construction and support vessels. Through grant funding provided by MEA, MITAGS will upgrade its simulation technology, including an upgrade to its full-mission ship simulator and installation and programing of waterjet vessel propulsion maneuvering control systems.

Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program

Clark Machine Corporation- $213,000

Clark Machine Corporation (Clark Machine) currently operates an American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) certified business in Baltimore, MD that provides steel fabrication, machining, heavy equipment repair, and sells parts for ground engaging equipment. Through grant funding provided by MEA, Clark Machine will purchase  equipment that will allow them to fabricate large secondary steel components that can be used for offshore wind turbines and their onshore counterpart components, as well as support other offshore wind infrastructure that will need maintenance. The Facility will be used to support other industries including but not limited to general construction, port infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and land-based wind.

Patriot Steel Fabrication, Inc.- $320,000                                                 

Patriot Steel Fabrication, Inc. (Patriot Steel) currently operates a steel fabrication business located in Church Creek, MD. Through grant funding provided by MEA, Patriot Steel will purchase equipment that will allow them to process and fabricate steel platforms and associated rails and ladders needed for offshore wind foundations. The purchase of this equipment will allow Patriot Steel to fabricate steel platforms quickly and efficiently by reducing costs and lead time. The purchase and installation of the equipment will be used to support other industries including but not limited to general construction, port infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and land-based wind.

Strum Contracting Company- $249.000                                                       

Strum Contracting Company (Strum Contracting) currently operates a steel fabrication business located in Baltimore, Maryland. Through grant funding provided by MEA, Strum Contracting will purchase and install equipment that will allow the manufacture of secondary steel components for the offshore wind industry. The acquisition of this equipment will allow Strum Contracting to increase their secondary steel production abilities and become more involved in Maryland’s offshore wind supply chain. The acquisition of this equipment will be used to support other industries including, but not limited to, general construction, port infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and land-based wind.

For more information about the MEA’s offshore wind supply chain development efforts, please visit MEA’s website or the recently launched Maryland Offshore Wind website.

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The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) 

MEA promotes affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for the benefit of all Marylanders. MEA advises the governor and general assembly on matters relating to energy policy. MEA administers grant and loan programs to encourage clean energy technologies in all sectors of Maryland’s economy: residential, commercial, agricultural, and transportation. For more information about MEA, visit www.energy.maryland.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.