ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The Biden administration has given its approval for the construction of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The project, called Ocean Wind, will consist of up to 98 turbines and have a capacity of generating 1,100 megawatts (MW) of clean energy.
This marks the third offshore wind project approved by the administration, following Vineyard Wind off Massachusetts and South Fork off Rhode Island.
The approval of Ocean Wind is in line with the administration’s goal of developing 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power in the United States by 2030. The project is expected to contribute significantly to that target and help combat climate change while creating job opportunities.
According to the Interior Department, Ocean Wind has the potential to power around 380,000 homes and create approximately 3,000 jobs during its three-year construction cycle. The project will also implement measures to mitigate its environmental impact, including restrictions on vessel speed and compensation programs for fisheries.
The administration’s approval involved consultations with Native American tribes and consideration of environmental factors. The project has received positive reception, with expectations that the offshore wind industry will continue to grow in the United States. There are currently 7 additional offshore wind projects undergoing review, representing another 14 GW of potential energy capacity.
The emergence of a domestic supply chain to support the construction and development of offshore wind projects is also becoming evident, with various companies and workers involved in manufacturing turbine components and developing wind ports in states like New Jersey and Maryland.