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Skipjack Wind Farm is one of many offshore wind projects proposed in the Atlantic Ocean and an essential part of Maryland’s goal to achieve the ambitious renewable energy goals in the Clean Energy Jobs Act of 2019. As per the bill, the target is for the state to be 50% renewables by 2030.
The wind farm received OREC (Offshore wind Energy Renewable Certificate) to operate with the Maryland Public Service Commission subsidies. Phase 1 and 2 were given 20-year OREC certificates in 2017 and December 2021, respectively.
The offshore wind project will feature the first emissions-free offshore wind operations and maintenance facility in West Ocean City, Maryland.
Where is the Skipjack Wind Farm?
The farm is offshore, south of the coast of Delmarva Peninsula, 19.5 miles away from its shoreline in the Atlantic Ocean.
The lease area, identified as OCS-A 0519 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), is directly south of and adjacent to OCS-A 0482. The lease area is southeast of Delaware Bay and northeast of West Ocean City.
The location is also 7 miles away, north of the Momentum Offshore Wind farm being developed off the coast of Maryland.
How many phases does the farm have?
The farm has two phases–Skipjack Wind 1 and Skipjack Wind 2. The installations will deliver 120 MW and 756 MW installed capacity, respectively.
| Specification | Skipjack Wind 1 | Skipjack Wind 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Turbines | 10 | 63 |
| Turbine Rating | 12 MW | 12 MW |
| Total Phase Capacity Factor | 120 MW | 756 MW |
| Turbine Type | GE Haliade-X | GE Haliade-X |
How large is the Skipjack Wind Farm?
The lease area of Skipjack 1 and Skipjack Wind 2 is 26,000 acres or 105 square kilometers.
Who owns the Skipjack Wind Farm?
Ørsted Offshore North America owns the wind farm. The company is a subsidiary of energy giant Ørsted from Denmark.
Ørsted has a market-leading portfolio from offshore wind, making it one of the most sustainable energy companies in its operations.
It also operates 1,000 onshore wind farms globally for renewable energy sources. It is the only green energy company on course for net zero emissions in 2025.
How much power will the wind farm deliver?
The first phase of the offshore wind energy project will deliver 120 MW of installed capacity to the grid. The second phase will have an 756 MW capacity.
What are the economic benefits of the Skipjack Wind Farm?
Ørsted is making supply chain investments to Crystal Steel fabricators, which will enhance the local manufacturing operations of offshore wind projects.
The $70 million investment redounds to the rest of the industry. The Crystal Steel manufacturing facility in Maryland will also serve Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2 projects from New Jersey. Orsted will fund the purchase of new equipment and construction of the new facility.
This investment also follows the agreement of Orsted with Tradepoint Atlantic to develop a staging center in its 3,300 logistics center. The $13.2 million upgrade will allow the logistics hub to deploy nacelles and turbine parts to offshore wind locations. The move will also attract major supply chain companies by facilitating the movement of offshore wind components from land to sea.
Skipjack Wind 1 will also invest in a $20 million operations & maintenance facility in West Ocean City. The facility will be the first offshore wind O&M facility which is emissions-free.
How many turbines does the Skipjack Wind Farm have?
The farm’s first phase will deliver ten GE Haliade-X 12 MW turbines, made in Cherbourg, France. The 756 MW second phase is currently in the planning stages.
When is the first power of the Skipjack Wind Farm?
The project is expected to be commissioned by 2026.