New Jersey could build as much as 1.7GW of offshore wind in the next five years, if the state puts favourable policies in place, according to a new report.
The Environment New Jersey Research and Policy Center report, Turning to the Wind, said the potential for offshore wind power production is highest off the Jersey Shore compared to other Atlantic states.
“The promise offshore of Atlantic City remains an untapped jackpot,” said Environment New Jersey director Doug O’Malley.
Offshore wind development has stalled since New Jersey governor Chris Christie enacted legislation in 2010.
The law directed the Board of Public Utilities to develop an offshore renewable energy certificate programme to support at least 1100MW of offshore wind generation however the board has yet to act.
“The BPU continues to cast aspersions on offshore wind, but the Christie Administration shouldn’t continue to ignore this resource,” said O’Malley.
Environment New Jersey released the report, which uses data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, on the heels of legislative action that would require the BPU to open a 30-day window for applications for a project off Atlantic City.
The move would allow Fishermen’s Energy to reapply for its 24MW demonstration project three miles off the coast, which the board previously rejected.
The legislation passed the state assembly by a 48–21 vote on 17 December and will likely receive a vote in the senate before the end of the session on 11 January, said Environment New Jersey.
Larger projects are also in the works off New Jersey. US Wind and RES America hold commercial leases for two sites with a combined 3.4GW potential.
Image: Fishermen’s Energy met buoy on station off Atlantic City (Fishermen’s Energy)
