However, the project still awaits further federal approval for its construction and operations plan, as well as two state-level permits, before construction can commence.
According to The Associated Press, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland stated that this decision signifies the ninth offshore wind project approved under the Biden administration, which has already green-lighted 13 gigawatts of electricity, sufficient 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. "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 proposed project, which will be executed in two phases, is set to be constructed between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island in southern New Jersey. It is projected to generate 2,800 megawatts, enough to power 1 million homes. Joris Veldhoven, Atlantic Shores’ CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “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. 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.”
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Atlantic Shores, which received preliminary approval from New Jersey utility regulators in 2021, has now advanced nearly as far as a previously approved project that would have been New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm. However, Danish wind developer Orsted abandoned its project in October 2023, just before work was set to begin on two offshore wind farms, after determining it would not be economically viable.
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The Interior Department has stated that the Atlantic Shores project will be located about 8.7 miles from the shore at its closest point. However, the company has previously indicated that it will not build right up to that line and that the closest turbines will be at least 12.8 miles from shore. Atlantic Shores is a joint venture between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development LLC.
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As part of the project, the Interior Department has approved the construction of 195 wind turbines, although the company had initially sought approval for up to 200. This decision underscores the government's commitment to renewable energy and the potential for job creation in the sector, while also highlighting the challenges and regulatory hurdles that such projects face.
