Economic Impact
“The supply chain for South Fork Wind stretches across 19 states, demonstrating the nationwide economic impact of a single offshore wind project.”
The offshore wind industry's economic benefits extend beyond wind farms. In addition to reducing global energy dependence and local energy costs, supply chain investments will be made in cities far away from the actual installation, such as Baltimore.
Offshore wind will create and support thousands of local, highly skilled jobs. Industry-supported jobs include engineering, construction, surveyors, scientists and tradespeople. Offshore wind projects can help revitalize area manufacturing sectors and ports and form the basis for a stable workforce for decades. As of 2020, the offshore wind industry in Europe accounted for 210,000 jobs.
For instance, the South Fork Wind project, the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, exemplifies offshore wind’s economic and environmental benefits. This 12-turbine project generates 132 MW of clean electricity, enough to power more than 70,000 homes. The project has sparked nearly $1 billion in new investments and created at least 2,000 manufacturing and construction jobs. The supply chain for South Fork Wind stretches across 19 states, demonstrating the nationwide economic impact of a single offshore wind project.
The offshore wind project off of the Maryland and Delaware coast will enhance the economy on several levels.
Jobs: US Wind’s project will create thousands of good-paying jobs and drive economic growth.
Lowered energy costs: US Wind’s project alone will generate enough clean energy to power 718,000 homes on the Delmarva Peninsula and potentially reduce energy costs. US Wind predicts the project will lower electric costs for Delaware ratepayers by up to $253 million over 20 years; the company will also invest more than $200 million in transmission system upgrades.
Reinvigorating manufacturing: US Wind is also establishing a long-term monopile production facility called Sparrows Point Steel at Sparrows Point in Baltimore. This site was once the home of Bethlehem Steel, the largest steel production facility in the world. “US Wind proposes to facilitate the investment of an incremental $150 million in this new facility, which will create 530 direct jobs per year,” US Wind.
Tourism Impact
“Offshore wind farms can actually benefit tourism, as the turbines become attractions themselves due to their impressive scale and engineering marvels.”
Offshore wind farms can actually benefit tourism, as the turbines become attractions themselves due to their impressive scale and engineering marvels.
Offshore wind projects also often lead to improvements in local infrastructure, such as ports and roads, making the area more appealing to tourists.
For instance, coastal areas with wind farms have seen a rise in eco-tourism, where visitors come to learn about renewable energy and its benefits:
The Scroby Sands Wind Farm in the United Kingdom attracts more than 35,000 annual visitors.
A 2019 University of Rhode Island study showed that tourism on Block Island increased after the installation of the Block Island Wind Farm less than 3 miles away from the island. The wind farm installation led to a seven-night increase in reservations during July and August, resulting in a 19% increase in occupancy rates, the study found.
Closer to home, the University of Delaware research found that a surprising number of respondents would make special trips just to see wind turbines offshore. Wondering what the turbines off the Maryland and Delaware coasts will look like? Here are some resources:
Read ”Offshore wind turbines in Maryland: Here’s what they could look like,” The Baltimore Banner.
Read BOEM’s Visual Impact Assessment.
Watch a simulation of a typical view from Ocean City’s shore during high summer.