The Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the official approval of the Atlantic Shores South project, which aims to produce up to 2,800 megawatts of renewable energy from New Jersey’s first offshore wind project. This marks the ninth large offshore wind project approved by BOEM, adding to multiple operational utility-scale projects off the coasts of New York and Massachusetts. Under the Biden Administration, BOEM has now approved over 13,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy, sufficient to power nearly 5 million homes.
The Atlantic Shores South project will be situated off the coast of Atlantic County, starting approximately nine miles from the coastline. The barrier islands along the Jersey Shore are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise and storm surges. Rutgers University estimates that sea level rise at the Shore could reach up to two feet by 2050 and six feet by 2100 under current carbon emissions scenarios. The power generated by the turbines will connect to the regional PJM electric grid via transmission lines and substations in southern Monmouth and Atlantic Counties. The project's Environmental Impact Statement had previously received approval from BOEM. Construction is expected to span this decade but could commence as early as next year.
Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey, responded positively to BOEM's decision: “This is a clear win for offshore wind and another step forward to making offshore wind a reality off the Jersey Shore. Offshore wind remains our best solution to power our economy with clean, renewable energy and reduce climate pollution."
O'Malley emphasized the urgency: "On the cusp of a historic heat wave, there is no better week for the federal government to give a green light to the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project. Every year without offshore wind providing power to our electric grid is another year we are overly dependent on fossil fuels."
He also highlighted broader commitments: "The Biden Administration kick-started offshore wind with its commitment to deploy 30 gigawatts by 2030... These actions are buttressed by the leadership of the NJ Board of Public Utilities in creating clear offshore wind solicitation schedules and an 11-gigawatt target by 2040."
O'Malley concluded that last year's record warmth underscores New Jersey's need for offshore wind as a strategy against climate change.
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