Wind Farm Approved Off Atlantic County Coast: Biden Administration

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Federal authorities have approved another wind farm off the New Jersey coast, the ninth commercial wind energy project confirmed by President Joe Biden's administration.

The Atlantic Shores South wind project, consisting of Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1 and 2, would put up to 195 turbines off the coast between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island, according to authorities. It would be about 8.7 miles off the shore at its closest point.

This project is expected to generate up to 2,800 megawatts of electricity, enough to power close to one million homes, according to the Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM).

“The Biden-Harris administration is building momentum every day for our clean energy future, and today's milestone is yet another step toward our ambitious goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030,” said Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “Our clean energy future is now a reality – thanks to President Biden's Investing in America agenda we are addressing climate change, fostering job growth, and promoting equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”

The farm would also include up to 10 offshore substations, a permanent meteorological tower, cables and more. An export cable would make landfall in Atlantic City and connect to a proposed onshore substation located on Fire Road in Egg Harbor Township.

It could now be New Jersey's first offshore wind farm, after Danish firm Orsted backed out of the Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects last year.

Further federal approvals and state permits are required before construction can actually begin.