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The Delaware Energy Solutions Act of 2024 (SB265) was just passed by the House in late June, but the state of Delaware has already taken more steps to double down on its commitment to wind energy. The act will aid in the development of infrastructure needed to facilitate a transition to carbon-free energy sources.
The act authorizes processes necessary to help meet the net zero goals of the Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023 (HB99) and also:
- Facilitates a transition to carbon-free energy sources by preparing for offshore wind to be a significant element of Delaware’s energy future (as long as the cost is competitive with other potential sources).
- Increases options for interconnecting renewable energy resources to the transmission grid.
- Authorizes the State Energy Office (SEO), with the approval of the Public Service Commission (PSC), to issue solicitations to procure offshore wind.
“The passage of SB 265 will open the door to offshore wind energy procurement in our state,” said Rep. Debra Heffernan, chair of the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee, Delaware House Democrats reports. “This is a monumental step toward embracing a cleaner, more sustainable future, and helps to ensure that we stay on track to meet the targets outlined in the Climate Solutions Act.”
“It will take time before we see a turbine in Delaware, but this is still a huge feat,” Heffernan continued. “We have now begun the process to ensure that Delaware is ready to make the switch to clean energy when the best opportunity presents itself.”
Crafting Offshore Wind Solicitations
Once passed into law, SB 265 authorizes the DNREC State Energy Office (SEO), the Delaware Public Service Commission, and the Delaware Renewable Energy Task Force to craft a solicitation for offshore wind. Following public comment, the PUC will approve a final solicitation document and move forward in receiving and reviewing any proposals.
If the SEO or PUC can’t find a deal for wind power that meets a predetermined/benchmark price, the state will not move forward with the contract. The SEO has also been directed to procure up to 1,200 megawatts of electricity to Delaware’s public utilities. Delaware’s municipal electric companies, rural electric cooperatives, and third-party providers can purchase electricity generated from offshore wind if they choose.
According to the Delaware House Democrats, seven other East Coast states, including neighboring New Jersey and Maryland, are taking action to utilize offshore wind energy.
“By passing the Delaware Energy Solutions Act of 2024, the General Assembly is adding Delaware to that list,” they said. SB 265 is now headed to the Governor’s office, where it is expected to be signed into law.
Growing a Wind Energy Workforce
Knowing that offshore energy projects will require skilled workers to install, run and maintain them, the state’s higher education institutions are taking steps now to ensure that the state is at the forefront of supplying that workforce. According to Delaware Business Times, the University of Delaware (UD) and Delaware Technical Community College just launched a training program geared to providing workers with basic safety and operational skills.
The one-week program, known as the Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training, allows participants to earn a certification after attending modules on topics such as first aid and sea survival, the publication reports. The certification is the first step for personnel, including wind technicians, who will install and later maintain the fleet of offshore wind turbines, as well as port workers and sea survival and rescue personnel.
“But first, we had to train the trainers, which involved a nine-week training program in cooperation with Maersk, the Danish shipping and logistics company,” UD Professor Cristina Archer told Delaware Business Times. “We now have four certified trainers in Delaware to help ready a workforce for the growing offshore wind initiatives.”
