Offshore wind is emerging as one of the fastest growing industries in the United States and needs more manufacturers to join the supply chain. Commitments from states and the Biden Administration are leading analysts to estimate the industry could invest $140 billion to build out the local supply chain over the next decade. Maryland recently approved two large wind projects that will utilize local companies to design, manufacture, build, and operate these new projects, and is expected to generate $1.5 billion in the manufacturing and construction phase alone. This unprecedented investment in the state’s offshore wind industry means there will be a high demand for a trained local offshore wind supply chain.

Offshore wind is a manufacturing intensive industry that requires more than 8,000 components, providing an incredible opportunity for steel and metal fabricators, electrical providers, machinists, and more. The industry has already seen manufactures already involved in defense, automotive and aviation, maritime equipment, and safety equipment make the transition to offshore wind.

To help area manufacturers learn more about this emerging industry, the Business Network for Offshore Wind is hosting “Offshore Wind 101” in conjunction the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) and sponsored by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). In 30-minutes, you’ll hear about the opportunities available to manufacturers, the state of the market, and next steps to get involved.