ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The U.S. Interior Department approved the proposed Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm in New Jersey on Tuesday, giving a major boost to a project that would be the state’s first.
The project still requires an additional federal approval of its construction and operations plan, along with two state-level permits, before construction can begin.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the department’s decision marked the ninth offshore wind project approved under the Biden administration, green-lighting 13 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 5 million homes.
“The Biden-Harris administration is building momentum every day for our clean energy future, and today’s milestone is yet another step toward our ambitious goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030,” she said in a statement. “Our clean energy future is now a reality. We are addressing climate change, fostering job growth, and promoting equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”
The project, consisting of two phases, would be built between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island in southern New Jersey. It would generate 2,800 megawatts, enough to power 1 million homes.
“This milestone brings us one step closer to delivering New Jersey’s first offshore wind projects, and for the state achieving its ambitious goal of 100% clean energy by 2035,” Joris Veldhoven, Atlantic Shores’ CEO, said in a statement. “We recognize the significance of this milestone, and we’re thrilled to work with our supply chain partners to continue making near-term investments and creating great paying union jobs.”
Atlantic Shores, which was given preliminary approval in 2021 by New Jersey utility regulators, has now gotten nearly as far as a previously approved project that would have been New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm. Danish wind developer Orsted was close to beginning work on two offshore wind farms but scrapped the project in Oct. 2023 after deciding it would not be economical.
The Interior Department said the Atlantic Shores project would be about 8.7 miles from shore at its closest point. But the company has previously said that it will not built right up to that line and that the closest turbines will be at least 12.8 miles from shore.
Atlantic Shores is a joint partnership between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development LLC.
The Interior Department approved construction of 195 wind turbines as part of the project; the company had sought up to 200.
___
Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
The Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm in New Jersey has recently received a crucial approval from US authorities, marking a significant milestone in the development of renewable energy in the region. The project, which is a joint venture between EDF Renewables and Shell New Energies, aims to harness the power of wind to generate clean and sustainable electricity for thousands of homes and businesses in New Jersey.
The approval from US authorities comes after years of planning and regulatory hurdles, and is a major step forward for the project. The Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm is set to be located off the coast of New Jersey, in an area known for its strong and consistent winds, making it an ideal location for a wind farm.
Once completed, the Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm is expected to have a capacity of up to 2,500 megawatts, enough to power over one million homes. This will help to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, while also creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
In addition to providing clean energy, the Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm will also have a positive impact on the environment. By harnessing wind power instead of relying on fossil fuels, the project will help to reduce air and water pollution, protect wildlife habitats, and preserve natural resources for future generations.
The approval of the Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm is a significant achievement for the renewable energy industry in New Jersey, and paves the way for further development of offshore wind projects in the region. With growing concerns about climate change and the need to transition to clean energy sources, projects like this are crucial in helping to achieve a more sustainable future.
Overall, the approval of the Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm is a positive development for New Jersey and the United States as a whole. By harnessing the power of wind to generate clean electricity, this project will help to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and protect the environment for future generations.
