By Corey Dahl
SOLAR TODAY Managing Editor
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell this week introduced the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which would extend and raise his state's renewable portfolio standard and potentially create hundreds of green jobs.
The proposed bill would commit Delaware to the goal of receiving 30 percent of its energy supply from renewables by 2029. The state's current goal is 20 percent by 2019.
According to a fact sheet from the governor's office, the legislation could lead to the installation of up to 300 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic systems by 2029. It would also facilitate the installation of more than 1,000 MW of utility-scale renewables, most likely in the form of offshore wind farms. Grant money would be sped to crucial renewable energy projects if the bill passes.
The governor is touting the bill as a boost to the state's economy. His staff estimates that more than 1,000 construction jobs and 150 long-term maintenance jobs will come out of the utility-scale installations alone. The bill will boost investor confidence in renewable companies located in Delaware, his office says.
The bill also contains a "local generation" component that could potentially create incentives for those who use systems manufactured in the state.
Seth Masia
Liz Merry
