In what is a big step forward for a transformative offshore wind energy project, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Tuesday issued construction and operations plan approvals of Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2.
The approval is the biggest (and one of the last) steps in a massive project that symbolizes the sector in the state and on the East Coast. When combined, Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2 will generate enough renewable energy to serve more than 1 million New Jersey homes – a necessary step for the state to approach its aggressive clean energy milestones. The projects are anticipated to be able to deliver sufficient clean power to serve one third of the state’s residents.
To be sure, the announcement is not the final step in the process. Atlantic Shores still is awaiting word from the N.J. Board of Public Utilities to see if its re-bid of the project – part of the fourth solicitation – will be approved before making a final investment decision.
Atlantic Shores CEO Joris Veldhoven was pleased to get the news.
“Securing these critical approvals enables New Jersey’s first offshore wind project to start construction next year and represents meaningful progress in New Jersey achieving 100% clean energy by 2035,” he said. “We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, our agency partners at the U.S. Department of the Interior and BOEM, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and all our federal and state agency partners who helped deliver this moment for Atlantic Shores.”
Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2 represent 2,800 megawatts of renewable power at unmatched scale and maturity. Atlantic Shores Project 1 is New Jersey’s first offshore wind project and COP approval will enable the near-term creation of thousands of in-demand jobs and acceleration of billions of dollars in supply chain investments being made in the Garden State.
Atlantic Shores Project 2 will build on this first-mover success and drive economic growth across the state over the next decade.
Murphy, a longtime proponent of offshore wind, said he’s eager to see the project move forward.
“Today’s announcement from Atlantic Shores represents meaningful progress toward a clean energy future for New Jersey. Growing New Jersey’s offshore wind capacity has been one of the highest priorities for my Administration,” he said. “Offshore wind will strengthen our state’s economy through supply chain investments and good-paying, union jobs. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration clearing the way for this milestone, we are one step closer to achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035.”
Getting the approval before the election is key – as it’s unclear how a new president and new Congress will view the project.
Two Representatives from the state let their feelings be known.
“Atlantic Shores receiving its Construction and Operations Plan is welcomed news,” Congressman Donald Norcross (D, 1st District) said. “Not only will this investment help us combat climate change, but it will also generate good paying jobs by offering new workforce training opportunities and utilize local labor unions to get the job done.”
Representative Mikie Sherrill (D, 11th District) agreed.
“Today’s announcement is a critical step in bringing New Jersey’s first offshore wind project online,” she said. “Through robust job creation and strong partnerships with our unions and institutions of higher education, Atlantic Shores is solidifying New Jersey’s leadership in the transition to clean energy and the fight against climate change.”
Environmental groups also hailed the news.
“We’re excited that New Jersey’s first offshore project has moved one step closer to construction,” Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, said. “Responsibly developed offshore wind is a critical component in a clean energy future — which will fight climate change, create union jobs and improve the air quality in overburdened communities. Children from Newark to Jersey City to Camden will be able to breathe just a little easier once the renewable energy from offshore wind comes online, and we look forward to working with Gov. Murphy and our state Legislature to make the promise of clean energy a reality.”
U.S. Senator George Helmy (D) also praised the news.
“I believe that offshore wind has the potential to play a key role in transitioning us to a clean energy economy, delivering zero-carbon energy to our state while spurring billions of dollars in economic investment and creating good-paying jobs,” he said.
“Bills to bolster the offshore wind industry and increase its benefits to our state were among the first pieces of legislation that I cosponsored in the Senate. I commend both the Biden-Harris Administration and Gov. Murphy for their commitment to making offshore wind a reality off New Jersey’s coast, and I look forward to continuing to work with Atlantic Shores and other stakeholders in my time in the Senate.”
