University of Delaware’s Center for Carbon-free Power Integration will hold a workshop in Rehoboth Beach Wednesday, hoping to improve the public’s understanding of offshore wind power and its stake in Delaware.
Last year, the Maryland Public Service Commission decided to fund two offshore wind projects off the coast – a Maryland lease in federal waters and a 120 megawatt lease off the Delaware coast.
State officials have been studying offshore wind development off of Delaware’s coast since Governor Carney signed an executive order in August 2017.
But Bonnie Ram, the associate director for strategic initiative with University of Delaware's Center for Carbon-Free Power Integration, says coastal communities should be more involved.
She adds Delaware missed out on an opportunity to invest in offshore wind ahead of other states.
“And I think Delaware is a little cautious about how do they proceed and what are some of the investment requirements,” Ram said.
New Jersey plans to develop 3500 megawatts of offshore wind by 2030.
The center is holding workshops on offshore wind in Rehoboth and Bethany Beach to start conversations about economic development, tourism and how offshore wind could affect marine life.
The first workshop is from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 27 at Rehoboth’s Convention Center.
Registration is required. More information can be found on Delaware Sea Grant's website.
A workshop will be held in Bethany Beach July 12.
