Maryland Clean Energy Guide
Maryland has set ambitious climate goals through the Climate Solutions Now Act, targeting 100% clean electricity by 2035. The state is developing major offshore wind projects and building a robust solar market to meet these goals.
Source: American Clean Power Association
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Grid Operator: PJM
Maryland operates within PJM Interconnection, participating in regional transmission planning and wholesale markets that influence clean energy development.
Learn more about PJMClimate Solutions Now Act
The 2022 Climate Solutions Now Act is one of the most comprehensive state climate laws in the nation. It requires 60% greenhouse gas reductions by 2031, net-zero emissions by 2045, and 100% clean electricity by 2035. The law also mandates building electrification measures and incorporates environmental justice requirements.
Key Provisions
- Clean Electricity Standard: 100% by 2035
- Offshore Wind: 8.5 GW by 2031
- Building Electrification: Standards for new construction
- Environmental Justice: 40% of benefits to overburdened communities
Offshore Wind Development
Maryland is developing significant offshore wind capacity to meet its clean energy goals. The state has awarded contracts for major projects and is investing in port infrastructure to become a regional offshore wind hub.
Major Projects
- US Wind MarWin: 2,000+ MW project off Ocean City
- Skipjack Wind (Ørsted): 846 MW project
- Sparrows Point: Major port development for offshore wind staging
Solar Development
Maryland has built significant solar capacity through a combination of the RPS, community solar programs, and net metering. The state has seen growth in both rooftop installations and utility-scale projects on agricultural and brownfield land.
Community Solar
Maryland's Community Solar Pilot Program has enabled subscribers to receive credits on utility bills from shared solar facilities. The program has been popular and has driven development of numerous community solar projects across the state.
Key Developers Active in Maryland
- US Wind: Major offshore wind developer
- Ørsted: Skipjack Wind project developer
- Constellation: Major utility with clean energy investments
- Pivot Energy: Community solar developer
- Standard Solar: Commercial solar developer
Challenges & Outlook
Maryland faces challenges including offshore wind cost pressures, transmission constraints in PJM, limited land for utility-scale solar, and the need for significant grid upgrades to meet clean electricity targets by 2035.
Despite these challenges, Maryland's comprehensive climate law, offshore wind investments, and strong solar market position it for continued clean energy growth. The state's 2035 clean electricity target is one of the most aggressive in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maryland's clean energy goals?
Maryland has set a target of 100% clean electricity by 2035 under the Climate Solutions Now Act. The state also requires 8.5 GW of offshore wind by 2031 and has aggressive energy efficiency and building electrification goals.
How is offshore wind developing in Maryland?
Maryland has awarded contracts for major offshore wind projects including US Wind's MarWin project and Ørsted's Skipjack Wind. The state is developing port infrastructure at Sparrows Point and Tradepoint Atlantic to support the industry.
What solar programs exist in Maryland?
Maryland offers the Community Solar Pilot Program, net metering for residential systems, SRECs through the RPS, and incentives for low-to-moderate income solar adoption. The state has seen strong growth in both distributed and utility-scale solar.
What is the Climate Solutions Now Act?
Passed in 2022, the Climate Solutions Now Act requires 60% emissions reductions by 2031, net-zero by 2045, and 100% clean electricity by 2035. It also mandates building electrification measures and environmental justice considerations.