EDF Renewables and Shell joint venture Atlantic Shores has started survey operations at a lease area off New Jersey that has the potential to develop up to 2500MW of offshore wind capacity.
Survey vessel Geosea is being utilised to characterise the seabed, collect samples and determine placement of data collection buoys, which will be deployed later this year to help measure wind, ocean and weather conditions.
The work is expected to conclude by the end of October, weather permitting.
The area covers 74,000 hectares 13 to 32km off the New Jersey coast between Barnegat Light and Sea Isle City.
Atlantic Shores intends to bid into the next New Jersey offshore wind solicitation.
New Jersey aims to generate 3.5GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
Atlantic Shores has also appointed Kevin Wark as its Fisheries Liaison Officer to help better communicate and collaborate with the recreational and commercial fishing industries as the project progresses.
Atlantic Shores development manager Doug Copeland said: “Kevin has hands-on knowledge of the maritime community in New Jersey, where he has been a resident his entire life and a fisherman for nearly 40 years.
“The trust he has developed locally will be invaluable in fostering open communication and collaboration with these industries as we plan an Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm that works best for New Jersey.”
Wark began his career operating commercial boats at the age of 17 and has worked extensively in the ocean research field for institutions such as Delaware State University and Rutgers University, including nearly a decade of sturgeon sampling.
He has also helped consult on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities strategic plan for offshore wind.