US green lights Ørsted’s Ocean Wind project off New Jersey
US authorities have approved the plan for the construction and operations of Ørsted’s Ocean Wind 1 project offshore New Jersey.
Located about 24 kilometres southeast of Atlantic City, the project will have an estimated capacity of 1.1 GW, capable of powering over 380,000 homes. The project is supposed to create around 3,000 jobs through its development and a three-year construction cycle.
The project entails the construction of up to 98 wind turbines and up to three offshore substations within its lease area.
This is the third approval of an offshore wind energy project in the US under the current administration following the Vineyard Wind project offshore Massachusetts and the South Fork Wind project offshore Rhode Island and New York.
“[..] today’s approval for the Ocean Wind 1 project is another milestone in our efforts to create good-paying union jobs while combatting climate change and powering our nation,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.
“Construction is already underway on two wind projects off the coasts of Massachusetts and New York. Today’s announcement gives the green light for the construction of another. […] the United States will keep seizing opportunities for offshore wind and other clean energy technologies, strengthening our energy security and advancing our climate goals, all while creating good-paying jobs up and down the manufacturing supply chain,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.
As for the project itself, Ørsted acquired full ownership of the Ocean Wind 1 project in January this year. At the time, the Danish utility snapped up the remaining 25% stake from Public Service Enterprise Group for an undisclosed sum.
Ørsted operates the first US offshore wind farm and holds the top position in the country with 5 GW in development. The first power from Ocean Wind 1 is scheduled for the end of 2024, and full commissioning is expected in 2025.
