Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, the U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the Atlantic Shores South offshore wind project. The project marks the ninth such wind farm to be approved since the start of the President’s term in office. With this new approval, total government-approved offshore wind power capacity now stands at 13 gigawatts, enough to power nearly five million homes.
Atlantic Shores South comprises two separate power facilities and associated export cables, capable of generating up to 2,800 megawatts of electricity. Located around 8.7 miles off the coast of New Jersey, the project involves the installation of up to 200 wind generators and ten offshore substations, with submarine transmission cables potentially connecting to Atlantic City and Sea Girt, New Jersey.
Supply and economic impact
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) approved the construction of 195 wind generators after a rigorous environmental impact assessment and multi-stakeholder consultation. This collaboration has enabled us to identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate the potential impacts of the project on the environment and existing ocean uses such as fishing.
Approval of the Atlantic Shores South project is part of the administration’s wider efforts to stimulate the US economy through investment in energy infrastructure. Since the start of this administration, BOEM has arranged four lease sales for offshore wind projects, covering areas off New York, New Jersey, the Carolinas and, for the first time, the Pacific and Gulf coasts. The Ministry has also announced a schedule of up to 12 additional lease sales by 2028.
Market outlook and financing
The Biden-Harris administration, through its Investing in America program, is driving economic growth from below by reinvesting in domestic infrastructure, stimulating private investment in manufacturing and clean energy, and creating high-paying jobs. By approving projects like Atlantic Shores South, the US government aims to strengthen the national power grid and boost the offshore wind energy sector.
The partnership with six New Jersey unions illustrates the administration’s commitment to fair and beneficial working conditions for local workers. These initiatives represent major investments for the American economy, supporting the energy transition and diversifying the energy mix.
The Atlantic Shores South offshore wind project is thus part of an overall strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, while meeting the growing need for clean electricity and supporting job creation in the renewable energy sector.
