Transmission company LS Power Grid has unveiled plans to bring power generated from New Jersey offshore wind farms into the state’s onshore electrical grid.
Responding to the state’s request for proposals on this initiative, the LS Power subsidiary’s plans were shared publicly for the first time during a meeting hosted by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).
LS Power executive vice president Lawrence Willick said: “How we transport energy is just as important as how we generate it.
“As such, we’re pleased to present our proposals, which offer the best value, quality and technology to support New Jersey’s ambitious clean energy goals, while protecting the environment, adding essential resiliency and reliability to the state’s aging energy infrastructure, and providing essential benefits to the state’s economy, local labor and our local communities.”
LS Power Grid’s proposals, which the company collectively calls Clean Energy Gateway, include multiple alternatives and options designed to integrate offshore wind power into the State’s electrical grid.
The proposals suggest using alternating current (AC) technology and extend the AC grid into the Atlantic.
This will integrate offshore wind power in the most economic manner, while enhancing the resiliency and reliability of the state’s aging energy infrastructure, the company said.
It also intends to route subsea cables through consolidated corridors to minimize ocean environmental impact, and route on-land cables through existing corridors and rights-of-way to minimize impact on communities.
In addition, LS Power Grid will utilise an existing shoreline landing point, where other subsea cables are already buried, and use advanced horizontal directional drilling technology that will place cables at least 25 feet below the shoreline, protecting New Jersey beaches.
The plans include firm cost containment commitments in keeping with the company’s track record for delivering major energy projects both on time and on budget.
The company also said the proposals will provide significant benefits for the state’s economy, local labor and our local communities.
LS Power Grid president Paul Thessen said: “Based on our reviews, we estimate that the costs associated with our proposals are between 20% and 50% less than competing proposals, which will amount to at least $1bn in savings to the state, if not more.
“Our approach of extending the AC grid to near the shore and into the ocean will allow New Jersey to take advantage of its proximity to designated offshore wind areas and avoid costly direct current (DC) connections.
“Those new DC connections and terminals, as recommended in competing proposals, will require billions of additional dollars in expenses, which are simply not necessary.”