Next month, the group will start its meeting and will review economic opportunities and environmental benefits of deploying offshore wind in the US state and at the same time, will also look at the costs and benefits associated with it.
The group will also look at the laws and regulations that govern the development of renewable energy and can also recommend changes, if any. Apart from these, the group will also look at the barriers and opportunities associated with the development of offshore wind in the state.
It is expected that by mid-December, the working group will submit its report to the Governor. The report shall include all the recommendations on both long-term and short-term strategies to develop offshore wind power in the state, at the same time improving job opportunities in the offshore wind industry.
The group will give out necessary legislation, which will include amendments to Delaware’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act.
Governor Carney said: “We must look for ways to participate in the development of alternative energy sources. It’s the right decision for our environment, but the development of new sources of energy is also good for our economy, and for the creation of good-paying jobs.
“This new working group will help us explore the potential economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind development for Delaware.”
US Senator Thomas Richard Carper stated that investing in offshore wind projects can lead to economic growth and it has a potential to create new jobs.
Last week, nine north-east states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont that comprise Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced plans to continue with emissions reduction program through 2030.
The states also announced improvements to the program, adding that they would result in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in the region from the electricity sector by as much as 30% between 2021 and 2030.
Image: Governor Carney signing the executive order on offshore wind working group. Photo: Courtesy of News.Delaware.gov.
