The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has completed its environmental analysis of the proposed Ocean Wind 1 wind project off the New Jersey coast.
The Orsted and PSEG JV proposes to construct up to 98 wind turbines and up to three offshore substations within its lease area.
The final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyses the potential environmental impacts of the activities laid out in Ocean Wind LLC’s Construction and Operations Plan.
The final EIS is a critical step to ensure the project can move forward while balancing the needs and interests of everyone who may be affected by the development, BOEM said.
It plans to issue a Record of Decision (ROD) on whether to approve the proposed project this summer.
The ROD is the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act EIS process.
At its closest point, the Ocean Wind 1 project will be at least 13 nautical miles southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Export cables are anticipated to make landfall in Ocean County and Cape May County, New Jersey.
If all 98 WTGs are approved for installation, the estimated capacity range will be from 1215MW to 1440MW, capable of powering up to 504,000 homes per year.
If approved, Ocean Wind 1 will be the third commercial-scale offshore wind project located on the US Outer Continental Shelf approved by the Biden-Harris administration.
BOEM director Elizabeth Klein said: “BOEM continues to make progress towards a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a new clean energy industry in the United States.
“Offshore wind is a critical component of the Biden-Harris administration’s strategy to tackle the climate crisis, while creating good-paying jobs and ensuring economic opportunities are accessible to all communities.”