The Maryland Energy Administration has issued a Request for Expression of Information and Interest to gather information from industry representatives on the potential for offshore wind development in the state. The MEA is also simultaneously initiating a study to evaluate opportunities for offshore wind energy on the Maryland coast (state waters) and the Outer Continental Shelf (federal waters). This study will "assess the viability of offshore wind energy generation and build on important marine spatial planning work being currently developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy."
Under Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, at least 20 percent of the retail sales of electricity in the state must come from renewable resources by 2022. Responses to the REII are due by January 31, 2010. Prospective developers interested in participating in the strategy process must submit a response to the MEA by February 28, 2010.