Wind Power! From Windmills to Wind Turbines

Jane Jewell • January 9, 2024


Because it’s clean and renewable, wind is one of our best energy sources.

 

“Windmill” describes any bladed structure that generates power from wind, but there’s a big difference between windmills and turbines.

 

Windmills harness wind for mechanical tasks, such as pumping water, operating a saw, or grinding grain. A windmill uses mechanical action, not electricity, to perform a specific job at a specific location. But a wind turbine generates electricity that’s sent elsewhere.

 

Windmills were in use as early as the 9th century in Persia. By the 1600s, windmills dotted the landscape across the Middle East and Europe, most famously in Holland. From there, through trade and colonization, windmills spread around the world.

 

In the United States and Australia, windmills were crucial to the development of agriculture. They were vital through the 1800s and into the 1930s, when windmills were replaced by electric motors and appliances.

 

Unlike windmills, wind turbines produce electricity through camshafts that rotate at high speed. As the blades turn, a wire is moved across a magnetic field to produce electric current. Turbines are larger than windmills, with higher towers and longer blades. Giant turbines in wind farms have up to 300-foot blades, with even longer blades (as long as 700 ft.) on the newest ones.

 

Wind turbines are generally three-bladed, usually white, and sit atop a single pole. Dozens or even hundreds of wind turbines form wind farms.

 

The first power plant using wind turbines opened in 1895 in Denmark, with more than 2,500 wind turbines installed over the next five years.

 

By 1900, however, wind proponents had lost out to gas and coal companies and during the 20th century, almost all power plants were fueled by polluting, non-renewable fuels.

 

The situation is improving, though.

 

For example, approximately 50% of Maryland’s power now comes from clean (non-carbon-producing) sources, and the state has ambitious goals. (See our recent Common Sense article on solar power.) Wind-generated electricity accounts for only 1.3% of all Maryland power but planned projects will increase this percentage.

 


The U.S. Wind Turbine Database assembles data on 73,352 turbines in 43 states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico. The most recent turbines became operational just this year, while the oldest were installed before 1990. Collectively, these turbines have a capacity of almost 145,000 megawatts of electricity.



Most wind farms are on land, but over the past few decades, the industry has moved to offshore installations. Winds are stronger at sea and can generate more electricity more efficiently. Offshore turbines are larger and stronger to survive storms, thus more expensive.

 

Last year was a tough year for the wind farm industry, and it is not clear how things will shake out. Ørsted, a Danish company with contracts for the majority of the offshore wind farms in the U.S., has recently canceled two projects off the New Jersey coast.

 

Several other Ørsted contracts are being reconsidered. Costs and delays rose significantly during 2023, due to supply chain issues, inflation, interest rates, and political unrest.

 

There are four wind farms along the Atlantic coast off Rhode Island, Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts.

 

Maryland has four offshore wind power projects under contract. None are under construction yet, and Ørsted has moved completion dates to 2026 or later. 146 turbines are expected to generate 12,000 full-time-equivalent jobs and 2,022.5 megawatts of power, and to supply power for nearly 600,000 homes on the Eastern Shore and elsewhere in Maryland.

 

These wind farms would also generate jobs in related areas. In August 2022, through the American Rescue Plan, Maryland was awarded a $23 million grant to establish a training center to create an offshore wind turbine workforce. Called Maryland Works for Wind, the grant will provide funds for training, fabrication, and employment. The project will be guided by Ørsted.

 

Turbines will be built initially in Baltimore. Operational, maintenance, and construction jobs will be created in Federalsburg, West Ocean City, and Salisbury.

 

The Eastern Shore will host a training program for apprentices and interns to learn how to maintain turbines.

 

While most welcome the prospect of cleaner, renewable wind power and new jobs, there are local officials, business owners, and residents in and near Ocean City who worry about damaging their tourism industry. Although the turbines would be 12 to 25 miles out to sea, on clear days the tops of the turbines would be visible and might be considered unaesthetic.

 

Ocean City officials point out that even small turbines are taller than a cruise ship, while medium-size turbines are taller than the Statue of Liberty. The tallest (over 800 ft.) would be higher than the Washington monument. In response, the developer agreed to move the turbines further offshore. They also agreed to reduce the number of turbines.

 

After a century-long downturn in its use, wind power may be coming back to Maryland and the U.S. Maryland has ambitious plans, but they depend on the outcome of the turbulent issues now affecting the wind turbine industry.

 

Sources and more information:

“Amid offshore wind industry struggles in the US, how will Ocean City projects fare?” Christine Condon, Nov. 17, 2023, Baltimore Sun

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/11/17/amid-offshore-wind-industry-struggles-in-the-us-how-will-ocean-city-projects-fare/

 

“List of offshore wind farms in the United States,” Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_offshore_wind_farms_in_the_United_States

 

“New York Turns On Its First Offshore Wind Farm,” Patrick McGeehan, Dec. 6, 2023, New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/nyregion/ny-wind-farm-long-island.html

 

“OC supports green & unseen wind farms,” Town of Ocean City, Md.

https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/oc-supports-green-unseen-wind-farms/

 

“Offshore wind in the U.S. hit headwinds in 2023. Here's what you need to know,” Miriam Wasser, Dec. 27, 2023, NPR

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/27/1221639019/offshore-wind-in-the-u-s-hit-headwinds-in-2023-heres-what-you-need-to-know

 

Off-Shore Wind Projects in Maryland

https://offshorewindmaryland.org/offshore-wind-projects-in-md/

 

“Vineyard Wind, country’s first large-scale offshore wind project, is producing clean electricity,” Miriam Wasser, Jan. 3, 2024, WBUR.org

https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/01/03/vineyard-offshore-wind-massachusetts-first-power-clean-energy

 

Wind Energy in Maryland, WindExchange, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

https://windexchange.energy.gov/states/md

 

“Wind Industry Jobs on the Way to Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” Aug. 5, 2022, WBOC.com

https://www.wboc.com/news/wind-industry-jobs-on-the-way-to-maryland-s-eastern-shore/article_8acf30b4-14c2-11ed-96e3-ffec03b3d8fa.html

 

Windmills for Sale in Montana, Big Sky Windmills

https://bigskywindmills.com/

 

Windmills for Sale, Rockridge Windmills, California

https://www.rockridgewindmills.com/windmills-for-sale/

 

“Wind turbines 11.9 miles off the coast of Ocean City,” Jack Fietchner, July 17, 2023, WMDT.com

https://www.wmdt.com/2023/07/wind-turbines-11-9-miles-off-the-coast-of-ocean-city/

 

 

Jane Jewell is a writer, editor, photographer, and teacher. She has worked in news, publishing, and as the director of a national writer's group. She lives in Chestertown with her husband Peter Heck, a ginger cat named Riley, and a lot of books.


Common Sense for the Eastern Shore

Health of His Constituents is Apparently Not a Priority for Rep. Dr. Andy Harris

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:

Judge Denies Trump Administration’s Attempt to Stall Maryland Offshore Wind Case Amid Federal Shutdown

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
 Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.

Should We Pin Our Hopes on Mid-Cycle Redistricting in MD-01?

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.

Megan Outten Kicks Off Wicomico County Council District 7 Campaign with Packed Crowd and Strong Early Momentum

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.

Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.

Momentum Builds to Save Connelly Mill Park: Community Leaders and State Officials Unite Around Vision for Wicomico’s “Central Park”

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
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