In a sweeping gesture towards a greener future, the Biden administration has approved Shell-EDF's Atlantic Shores South offshore wind farm as a beacon of progress amid historical resistance.
Rising above the once-swelling tide of opposition, this landmark project under the Biden administration signals a transformative leap toward sustainable energy solutions.
In a sweeping gesture towards a greener future, the Biden administration has approved a new offshore wind project in New Jersey.MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images
A Milestone in Offshore Wind Energy Development
The approval of Shell-EDF's Atlantic Shores South offshore wind farm marks a significant step forward for renewable energy in the United States, despite previous opposition from the Trump administration.
Under the Biden administration, this project became the ninth commercial-scale offshore wind farm to receive the green light. Atlantic Shores South comprises two wind farms, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1 and 2, set to produce up to 2,800 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Electrek reported that this capacity is anticipated to supply clean energy to nearly 1 million homes, highlighting a substantial stride towards sustainable energy solutions.
About 8.7 miles off the coast of New Jersey, the proposed wind farm plans to install up to 200 wind turbines and 10 offshore substations connected by subsea transmission cables. The turbines are expected to be positioned in a way that could see them ashore at Atlantic City and Sea Girt, New Jersey.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has approved the construction of nearly 200 wind turbines as part of the project. The initiative has also secured a labor agreement involving six New Jersey unions.
Ali Zaidi, President Joe Biden's national climate adviser, emphasized the administration's commitment to expanding the American offshore wind industry to enhance the national power grid and address climate challenges.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has set an ambitious target for the state: to install 11 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040. Currently, the state has 3.7 GW of offshore wind projects in progress.
In January, at a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, former President Donald Trump immediately pledged to halt the Atlantic Shores South offshore wind farm with an executive order if re-elected. He assured attendees that they do not need to worry about Murphy's 157 wind turbines.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently stressed the urgency of accelerating offshore wind development before the upcoming election, highlighting Massachusetts' leadership in this sector.
She expressed concerns that a Trump victory would severely impact the industry. In contrast, Murphy emphasized the difference between campaign rhetoric and government policy.
Under the Biden administration, the US Interior Department has approved over 13 GW of offshore wind projects to provide electricity to nearly 5 million households.
