Offshore Wind Turbine Project Approved in New Jersey
The Department of Interior has granted approval for the Atlantic Shores South project, a large-scale offshore wind turbine project in New Jersey. This project will involve the construction of 195 wind turbines supported by 10 offshore substations. The turbines will be located approximately 8 miles from the New Jersey shore, with subsea transmission cables potentially making landfall in Atlantic City and Sea Girt, New Jersey.
With a capacity to generate 2,800 megawatts of electricity, the Atlantic Shores South project is expected to power up to one million homes. This approval marks the ninth offshore wind energy project at a commercial scale to receive federal approval. In total, these nine projects will generate up to 13 gigawatts of offshore wind-generated energy, enough to power up to 5 million homes.
Interior Department Secretary Deb Haaland expressed enthusiasm for the project and highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to clean energy. She stated, “Our clean energy future is now a reality—thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are addressing climate change, fostering job growth, and promoting equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”
Atlantic Offshore Wind, a partnership between Shell New Energies and EDF Renewables North America, is responsible for the Atlantic Shores South project. Joris Veldhoven, the CEO for Atlantic Offshore Wind, emphasized the significance of this milestone and its contribution to New Jersey’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. He also highlighted the job creation and workforce development opportunities that will accompany the project.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) conducted an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Atlantic Shores Wind project. In their report, BOEM concluded that the project will have “negligible to moderate adverse impacts on most resources.” Elizabeth Klein, BOEM’s energy management director, emphasized the collaborative process involved in the project’s development, ensuring responsible development while addressing community concerns and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
However, opposition to offshore wind energy projects exists among organizations such as Protect Our Coast NJ. They argue that the construction of wind farms will negatively impact the tourism industry, as scenic beachside views will be disrupted. Additionally, they claim that the surveying tools used for the wind turbines disrupt the navigation of whales and dolphins, leading to fatal vessel strikes. Despite their concerns, officials have denied any correlation between offshore wind projects and negative impacts on wildlife.
Protect Our Coast NJ President Robin Shaffer expressed alarm at the rapid pace of these projects and their potential consequences. She stated, “Offshore wind construction and operations disrupt wildlife and ecosystems and threaten the livelihoods of commercial fishermen and small businesses up and down the east coast.”
Overall, the approval of the Atlantic Shores South project in New Jersey represents a significant step towards achieving clean energy goals. While concerns and opposition exist, the project’s environmental impact statement indicates that any adverse effects will be minimal to moderate. The collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and environmental organizations ensures responsible development while balancing the needs of local communities and marine ecosystems.
