Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind has held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new educational and community outreach (ECO) centre at Stockton University’s campus in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The facility will serve as Atlantic Shores’ primary location to host informational events for the community.
Atlantic Shores plans to partner with Stockton University to make the ECO centre available to local school groups or as a resource centre for university students.
Atlantic Shores development director Jennifer Daniels said: “We anticipate to listen and meet with stakeholders at this location, because we know it’s important for the Atlantic City community to have access to us right where they live.
“We are thrilled to have a meeting place in the heart of the very community Atlantic Shores hopes to serve with renewable, affordable offshore wind energy.”
The centre features two conference rooms that can be used to host community meetings, and an additional open concept space for larger events and public presentations.
It will function primarily as a public exhibition space and multi-purpose community room to host local stakeholders and communicate Atlantic Shores’ priorities and goals through exhibits, photos and interactive models.
In addition, the centre will also provide several ‘hoteling’ offices with computers, printers and office support, a small, more intimate conference area for Atlantic Shores employees.
Stockton University chief operating officer Brian Jackson said: “We are very excited at Stockton University to welcome this collaboration.
“This new centre will be a place where our students and faculty can engage in research and internship opportunities, and will also create an opportunity for our local community to gain employment.
“People are going to want to come to this space to learn about offshore wind.”
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities president Joseph Fiordaliso said: “I’m excited about anything that advances offshore wind and our new clean economy.
“Thank you to Atlantic Shores and Stockton University for their work ensuring the green economy is here to stay in New Jersey.
“We have to educate people, and ensure the fact that everyone is involved in the clean energy revolution here in the state of New Jersey.”
Atlantic Shores is currently exploring wind conditions within its lease area off New Jersey and will conduct additional environmental studies this summer and autumn.