New Jersey legislators are considering a proposal that would reopen the door for Fishermen’s Energy’s 25MW Atlantic City offshore wind pilot project.
The state Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee today approved an amendment to the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act that requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to open a “window” to solicit new proposals for a small wind project off of Atlantic City.
The board previously rejected Fishermen’s proposal, saying the project is too costly for ratepayers and that the proponent has not demonstrated its financial integrity.
In response, the developer dropped financial backer and turbine supplier XEMC and now plans to install six Siemens 4MW geared machines.
Fishermen’s expects the full assembly and senate will pass the amendment by year-end.
“We look forward to working constructively with the BPU to successfully launch offshore wind in New Jersey,” said Fishermen’s CEO Chris Wissemann.
Fishermen’s COO Paul Gallagher said commercial scale projects could learn from its demonstration scheme.
“In light of today’s federal government auction for offshore wind development rights, it is clear that offshore wind will be coming to New Jersey sooner or later,” said Gallagher.
However utility-scale projects are several years away from completion, he added. “That leaves ample time to learn from a small project and save a lot on the commercial-scale projects.”
Fishermen’s participated in the 3.4GW New Jersey offshore wind lease auction today but lost out to RES America Developments and US Wind.
Image: a Fishermen’s Energy buoy off Atlantic City (Fishermen’s Energy)
