BOEM completes environmental analysis of Ocean Wind 1 in New Jersey

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finished its environmental analysis of the proposed Ocean Wind 1 wind project to be located about 13 miles off the coast of New Jersey, near Atlantic City.

Ocean Wind plans to build up to 98 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and up to three offshore substations within its lease area. Export cables are anticipated to make landfall in Ocean County and Cape May County, New Jersey. If all 98 WTGs are approved for installation, the estimated capacity range will be from 1,215 to 1,440 megawatts, capable of powering up to 504,000 homes per year.

“BOEM continues to make progress towards a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a new clean energy industry in the United States,” BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein said. “Offshore wind is a critical component of the Biden-Harris administration’s strategy to tackle the climate crisis, while creating good-paying jobs and ensuring economic opportunities are accessible to all communities.”

If approved, Ocean Wind 1 will be the third commercial-scale offshore wind project located on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf approved by the Biden-Harris administration.

A “Notice of Availability” for the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Ocean Wind will be posted in the Federal Register on May 26, 2023. The final EIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the activities laid out in Ocean Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan. The final EIS is available on BOEM’s website.

BOEM also held three virtual public hearings to solicit additional feedback on the draft EIS from Tribal nations, local community members, commercial fishing interests, and other ocean users. Also, BOEM received a total of 1,389 comment submissions from Federal, Tribal, state, and local government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, and the general public during the comment period. The comments and feedback were considered when developing the final EIS.

BOEM plans to issue a decision on whether to approve the proposed project this summer.

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) was pleased with the progress of the project, which will create 10,000 jobs and $4.7 billion in economic impact in New Jersey.

“This final Environmental Impact Statement is the result of rigorous review and extensive public input from key stakeholders, demonstrating BOEM’s commitment to building clean power in a way that protects the environment and incorporates community feedback — a commitment that the industry shares. ACP looks forward to BOEM’s final approval of Ocean Wind 1 this year, and the jobs, manufacturing capacity, and energy security that America’s offshore wind industry will bring,” Josh Kaplowitz, vice president for offshore wind at ACP, said.