Local companies get funds to help build offshore wind industry, careers

The Daily Times

Three companies on the Lower Shore received grants from the Maryland Energy Administration for offshore wind.

Three companies on the Lower Shore received grants Thursday from the Maryland Energy Administration for offshore wind development.

The businesses were awarded over $500,000 for both the 2018 Offshore Wind Business and the Offshore Wind Workforce Development grants.

Arcon Welding Training School, of Salisbury, was awarded $100,000 for the Offshore Wind Workforce Development Grant.

Martin Holdings Inc., of Ocean City, was awarded $375,000 and Devreco LLC, of Salisbury, was awarded $100,000 for the Offshore Wind Business Development Grant.

“Maryland will be home to the first commercial scale offshore wind farm in America,” said Mary Beth Tung, director of the Maryland Energy Administration, in a release. “Maryland is the perfect location to serve as the supply chain hub for offshore wind industry and these grants will ensure we have the skilled workforce to take advantage of the new accompanying jobs.”

These grants aim to prepare Maryland businesses and workforce to participate in two offshore wind projects, which were recently approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

According to the release, offshore wind will bring new revenue streams and more jobs and training opportunities to Maryland.

There are also more than 1,300 businesses working in and around the Port of Baltimore, the release said, which the administration believes will allow for more Marylanders to work in the offshore wind industry.

The administration also cites Maryland's connections to defense companies, robotics and information technology industries who partner with Maryland's academic centers to drive innovation and cost reduction in the offshore wind industry.

The Maryland Energy Administration created these programs with statutory authority provided by the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013. This statute created the Offshore Wind Business Development Fund, the source for the grants funding the programs.

The mission of the administration is to promote affordable, reliable and cleaner energy. The agency advises Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan as well as the Maryland General Assembly to accomplish their goals.

The agency also administers grants and loan programs to promote clean energy technology in all of Maryland's economic sectors: residential, commercial, agricultural and transportation.

On Twitter @hughesg19