Governor Moore Announces Significant New Funding for Offshore Wind Supply Chain and Workforce Development

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Energy Administration will offer more than $6 million in FY24 funding through its Maryland Offshore Wind Grant Program Portfolio, designed to help Maryland’s emerging businesses and workforce get involved in the growing offshore wind industry. 

“Offshore wind energy production holds immense promise for Maryland, both in terms of the clean power it can produce and the well-paying jobs it stands to create,” said Gov. Moore. “The Maryland Energy Administration is dedicated to promoting both the electricity and jobs generated by offshore wind development, and the expansion of the Maryland Offshore Wind Grant Program Portfolio underscores this dedication.” 

The Maryland Offshore Wind Grant Program Portfolio is divided into two main programs: the Maryland Offshore Wind Supply Chain Investment Program, formerly known as the Capital Expenditure program, and the Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce and Education Program. Each program contains multiple areas of interest for individuals to maximize the opportunities present this Fiscal Year. 

The Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce and Education Program provides grant funding to support offshore wind education, workforce training, and internship programs in Maryland. A total of $2 million is anticipated to be available, split among the following:

Industry Education
Funds are available to help offset the capital and operating expenditures associated with developing or expanding and implementing offshore wind education programs and are intended to expand the general public’s knowledge and understanding of offshore wind energy and educate individuals on how to get involved in offshore wind as a career. Education projects may be for any education level. 

The Maryland Energy Administration will provide funding up to 75 percent of total project costs, not to exceed $500,000, for applicants to develop and implement curriculum of new or existing offshore wind education programs.

Workforce Training
Funds are available to help offset the capital and operating expenditures associated with developing or expanding and implementing an offshore wind training program and are intended to expand workforce training facilities’ capabilities to provide training and certifications for individuals seeking careers in the offshore wind industry. 

The Maryland Energy Administration will provide funding up to 75 percent of total project costs, not to exceed $500,000 for applicants to develop and implement curriculum of new or existing offshore wind workforce training programs.

Internships
Funds are available to help offset the costs for organizations that are working in the offshore wind industry who desire to hire interns. Internships must provide interns with offshore wind industry-related work experience, training, or education necessary for future employment in the industry. The purpose of the program is to provide individuals with paid internship opportunities to gain experience in Maryland’s growing offshore wind industry. 

Funding through the program will reimburse employers for up to 75 percent of an intern’s wage, up to $10,000 annually per intern ($5,000 for the first semester and $5,000 for a subsequent semester).

The Maryland Offshore Wind Supply Chain Investment Program provides grant funding on a non-competitive basis to support new or existing businesses entering the offshore wind supply chain in Maryland. A total of $1.5 million is anticipated to be available, split among the following:

Market Entry Reporting and Planning
Funds are available to help offset the costs of retaining a consultant to develop a market entry plan for eligible businesses looking to enter the offshore wind industry, including helping business determine the offshore wind business opportunities present; the targeted level of sales; the specific product or service for export; the target market; major milestones and a timeline for completion; and a budget and available resources for achieving these goals. 

The Maryland Energy Administration will provide funding up to $25,000 in the form of a one-time grant award for applicants to retain technical assistance from a third party consultant for the purpose of conducting a market entry report for the applicant to engage in state, regional, and national offshore wind industry. 

Capital Expenditures
Funds are available to help offset the capital expenditures needed for an organization to enter the offshore wind industry. Eligible expenses include relocation costs, new construction of real property, and renovations to existing real property, as well as purchase and installation of equipment at a new or existing real property.

The Maryland Energy Administration will award up to 50 percent of the total project costs not to exceed $400,000. Applicants must contribute at least 50 percent of the total project costs as matching funds. 

Industry Events
Funds are available to help offset the costs associated with attending domestic offshore wind and marine technology industry events. Eligible applicants may receive a one-time reimbursement of up to $5,000 for attending eligible industry events. 

The Maryland Energy Administration will provide financial incentives up to $5,000 per offshore wind or marine technology event, limited to one event per fiscal year. 

“Governor Moore shares the commitment of unlocking the promise of offshore wind energy and has directed our team to act with boldness and urgency in doing so,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “We look forward to delivering on his vision.” 

The application deadline for both programs and all areas of interest is February 1, 2024.

Visit energy.maryland.gov for more information.