In light of New Jersey seeking to award about 1,200-2,400 MW of offshore wind energy projects as part of its second solicitation, Atlantic Shore Offshore Wind—a 50-50 joint venture between EDF Renewables North America and Shell New Energies US LLC—has submitted its proposal to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to supply the state with up to 2,300 MW of offshore wind energy.
Atlantic Shore estimates its first project to be completed by as early as 2027, and if awarded, the largest-sized project in its bid could yield a 16 per cent reduction in New Jersey’s carbon dioxide emissions from power generation.
In its bid, Atlantic Shore has also put forth a plan which extends beyond offshore wind. It will leverage the technical capabilities of its parent companies and collaborate with academic partners and companies in New Jersey to explore commercial pathways for battery storage. The developer also plans to support a 5 to 10 MW green hydrogen pilot project to improve the understanding and expertise on how green hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of large industrial sectors.
REGlobal’s Views: New Jersey recently became the first state to formally ask regional grid operator PJM to embed its offshore wind goal into transmission planning, in what was hailed as a statement of leadership by the US industry whose fast growth poses future power delivery challenges. The US offshore wind industry is set to power up over the coming decade led by the 800 MW Vineyard Wind, but has been beset by issues ranging from frictions with the regional fisheries sector to the slow-rolling federal leasing process.
