DOVER — Delaware lawmakers added to the infrastructure needed to secure offshore wind energy on the last day of the legislative session.

Touted as a highlight of the 152nd General Assembly by Gov. John Carney, Senate Bill 265 lays the groundwork for the purchase of wind energy in the First State. The bill also ensures Delaware remains in a strategic position to work with neighboring states.

“What (the bill) does, is it authorizes the State Energy Office, with the approval of the Public Service Commission, to issue solicitations to procure electricity from offshore wind,” said Rep. Debra Heffernan, D-Bellefonte, chair of the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee, from the House floor on June 30.

Senate Bill 265 is also called the Delaware Energy Solutions Act.

In 2023, the General Assembly passed the Climate Solutions Act, which set a goal for the First State to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Delaware Energy Solutions Act, Senate Bill 265, will help Delaware reach that benchmark.

The act allows Delaware to apply for energy in coordination with other states or just for Delaware. It also stipulates that the state can pay no more than 110% of the Delaware Benchmark Price, defined as the average price that Delmarva Power has paid for power over the prior three years.

“The passage of SB 265 will open the door to offshore wind energy procurement in our state. This is a monumental step toward embracing a cleaner, more sustainable future, and helps to ensure that we stay on track to meet the targets outlined in the Climate Solutions Act,” said Rep. Heffernan. “We will definitely not see a turbine in the next year. But this is still a huge feat. We have now begun the process to ensure that Delaware is ready to make the switch to clean energy when the best opportunity presents itself. Thank you to all of my colleagues who have worked with me to ensure this bill reflects the best interests of our environment and the citizens of our beautiful state.”

“(June 30’s) passage of the Energy Solutions Act marks a major step forward in our ongoing work to reduce Delaware’s overreliance on harmful fossil fuels,” said Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 265.

The act now moves to the governor’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.