Commissioning of Ørsted's 120-MW Skipjack project put off for 2023

Ørsted A/S (CPH:ORSTED) has pushed back the targeted commissioning of its 120-MW Skipjack wind project off the US state of Maryland by a year due to a delay in the permitting procedures.

The Danish firm said in an official statement last week that the end-2023 commissioning goal puts it “in the strongest position possible to deliver a successful project.” Previously, the wind park was expected to be brought online in November 2022.

A lawyer for the developer confirmed the delay with the Maryland Public Service Commission and reiterated Ørsted’s commitment to develop, build and operate the Skipjack project.

While no reasons were given in the update related to the timeline change, Ørsted said: "As the federal permitting timeline evolves, Ørsted is now receiving its federal Notice of Intent for the Skipjack Wind Farm later than originally anticipated.”

The project’s Construction and Operations Plan (COP) is currently under review by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the agency’s website shows. After its completion, BOEM is expected to issue a notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

To be located northeast of Ocean City’s coastline, off the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula, the project calls for the deployment of General Electric’s (NYSE:GE) Haliade-X 12 MW, subject to final agreed and signed contract, as well as the necessary project approvals. Once operational, the wind park will be able to generate electricity to power around 35,000 homes.

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