Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2 Construction and Operations Plans Approved
New Jersey’s first offshore wind projects hit major federal permitting milestone
Atlantic City, NJ (October 1, 2024) – Today, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind (Atlantic Shores) announced that it has received Construction and Operations Plan (COP) approvals from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2, which combined will generate enough renewable energy to serve more than 1 million New Jersey homes.
“Atlantic Shores is thrilled to receive approval to build our first two projects and deliver sufficient clean power to serve one third of New Jersey households,” said Joris Veldhoven, Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. “Securing these critical approvals enables New Jersey’s first offshore wind project to start construction next year and represents meaningful progress in New Jersey achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, our agency partners at the U.S. Department of the Interior and BOEM, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and all our federal and state agency partners who helped deliver this moment for Atlantic Shores.”
Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2 represent 2,800 megawatts (MW) of safe, reliable renewable power at unmatched scale and maturity. Atlantic Shores Project 1 is New Jersey’s first offshore wind project and COP approval will enable the near-term creation of thousands of in-demand jobs and acceleration of billions of dollars in supply chain investments being made in the Garden State. Atlantic Shores Project 2 will build on this first-mover success and drive economic growth across the state over the next decade.
“Today’s announcement from Atlantic Shores represents meaningful progress toward a clean energy future for New Jersey. Growing New Jersey’s offshore wind capacity has been one of the highest priorities for my Administration,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Offshore wind will strengthen our state’s economy through supply chain investments and good-paying, union jobs. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration clearing the way for this milestone, we are one step closer to achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035.”
“I congratulate Atlantic Shores for reaching yet another milestone on an important project that is on track to become the first offshore wind farm in federal waters off New Jersey’s coast. I believe that offshore wind has the potential to play a key role in transitioning us to a clean energy economy, delivering zero-carbon energy to our state while spurring billions of dollars in economic investment and creating good-paying jobs,” said Senator George Helmy. “Bills to bolster the offshore wind industry and increase its benefits to our state were among the first pieces of legislation that I cosponsored in the Senate. I commend both the Biden-Harris Administration and Governor Murphy for their commitment to making offshore wind a reality off New Jersey’s coast, and I look forward to continuing to work with Atlantic Shores and other stakeholders in my time in the Senate.”
“Atlantic Shores receiving its Construction and Operations Plan is welcomed news. This critical infrastructure will generate enough offshore wind energy to power over one million New Jersey homes,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Not only will this investment help us combat climate change, but it will also generate good paying jobs by offering new workforce training opportunities and utilize local labor unions to get the job done.”
“Today’s announcement is a critical step in bringing New Jersey’s first offshore wind project online,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “Through robust job creation and strong partnerships with our unions and institutions of higher education, Atlantic Shores is solidifying New Jersey’s leadership in the transition to clean energy and the fight against climate change.”
“BOEM’s final approval of the Atlantic Shores South project is a major milestone for New Jersey’s clean energy future,” said Paulina O’Connor, Executive Director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance. “The New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance congratulates Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind on reaching this critical step in responsible offshore wind development. This project will not only bring renewable energy to nearly a million homes, but it will also create jobs and economic opportunities while protecting marine life and supporting our climate goals.”
“We’re excited that New Jersey’s first offshore project has moved one step closer to construction,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “Responsibly developed offshore wind is a critical component in a clean energy future — which will fight climate change, create union jobs and improve the air quality in overburdened communities. Children from Newark to Jersey City to Camden will be able to breathe just a little easier once the renewable energy from offshore wind comes online, and we look forward to working with Governor Murphy and our state Legislature to make the promise of clean energy a reality.”
“The NJ Sierra Club is pleased to see the Atlantic Shores Final Construction and Operations Plan approved today. This project is trailblazing the way in New Jersey for responsible offshore wind development and is integral to achieving our climate and clean energy goals for the state. There will be 6.13 million tons of GHG reduction annually from these projects, equivalent to removing 1.21 million cars from the road. This will directly offset our reliance on dirty fossil fuels while creating thousands of green jobs in the process. This is just the beginning of our just clean energy transition and look forward to making this vision a reality in the near future,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, Director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club.
“Embracing offshore wind is not just a step toward sustainable energy; it’s a profound act of stewardship for our planet. As we harness the power of the wind, we honor our sacred duty to care for creation and ensure a just and thriving future for all,” said Rev. Ron Tuff, Greenfaith.
“Offshore wind isn’t just a new way to harness energy; it’s an opportunity for us fishermen to protect our waters and create a sustainable future for both our industry and the environment. Embracing this clean energy means ensuring our oceans thrive for generations to come,” said Captain Paul Eidman, Fisherman.
“New Jersey’s energy needs grow every day. BOEM’s approval represents a major step forward toward ensuring our state’s residents and businesses enjoy the plentiful energy we need. Congratulations to Atlantic Shores on this milestone,” said Jerry Keenan, President of the New Jersey Alliance for Action.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of COP Approval for Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2 can be found here and for more information, please visit BOEM’s website.
About Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind (Atlantic Shores) is a 50:50 partnership between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development, LLC (a subsidiary of EDF Renewables North America).
Both companies bring decades of experience developing onshore and offshore energy projects across the globe. Atlantic Shores is comprised of purpose-driven professionals dedicated to delivering its nearly 6,000 MW offshore wind portfolio, strategically positioned to meet the growing demands of multiple east coast markets including New Jersey and New York.
All projects across the portfolio are subject to final investment decision (FID) and all regulatory approvals.
We invite you to learn more about Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind by visiting our website at www.atlanticshoreswind.com and following us on our social media channels: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X