“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 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 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.
The Maryland Energy Administration will provide funding up to 75% 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 aid in developing or expanding and implementing offshore wind training programs 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% 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.
Funding will reimburse employers for up to 75% 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.
The Maryland Energy Administration will award up to 50% of the total project costs not to exceed $400,000. Applicants must contribute at least 50% 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.
The application deadline for both programs and all areas of interest is February 1, 2024.
