The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has announced the formation of a renewable energy development company, called Eastern Shore Energy LLC (EES).
The new company will focus on creating renewable energy projects at multiple sites on the lower eastern shore of Maryland. The company's goal is to develop systems capable of generating 100 MW to 150 MW from wind, solar and biomass projects.
The regional initiative is the result of a partnership between the Maryland Hawk Corp. (a nonprofit affiliate of the university) and National Renewable Solutions LLC of Minneapolis, an affiliate of National Wind LLC.
Eastern Shore Energy LLC is currently studying the feasibility of three wind projects within Somerset and Worcester counties and expects to identify additional sites over the next several months.
"We believe the current sites offer the opportunity for the first 30 MW to 60 MW of wind development potential within these two counties, and we are encouraged with the initial findings," says Patrick Pelstring, president of National Renewable Solutions LLC.
The company's next steps will be to install anemometers on towers in the two target counties to collect wind data, and to seek participation of public and private landowners in the company's prospective development projects. ESE expects this initiative will be a long-term commitment of five to seven years but hopes to have its first project ready for construction in the next 24 to 36 months.
