Atlantic City Weekly

Share this Story:

New Jersey has come a step closer to tapping offshore wind energy as several environmental permits have been issued to construct a test wind farm off Atlantic City.

Fisherman’ Energy, founded by New Jersey commercial fishermen to develop renewable wind energy, has applied to build a demonstration sized project of six wind turbines producing up to 25 megawatts, capable of powering about 10,000 homes. The project would be located about 2.5 miles off the coast of the Steel Pier in Atlantic City.

The company announced Wednesday that the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued the project’s CAFRA Individual Permit, Waterfront Development Permit and Water Quality Certificate after technical, legal and staff review of the application and after a public notice and comment period.

“The development of offshore wind projects off New Jersey’s coast is a priority for the [Gov. Chris] Christie Administration,” said New Jersey DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “The Governor is committed to making the state a leader in this new industry, with its environmental and economic benefits. This is a great first step forward in making this a reality for New Jersey.”

Atlantic City officials also applauded the move.

“The city and its Alternative Energy Task Force is thrilled the state has approved Fisherman’s Energy Offshore Wind Project,” said G. Bruce Ward, city solicitor. “We are especially proud of our Planning Department, which guided the city’s role through uncharted waters to accomplish regulatory challenges never tackled by any municipality. This project serves to further energize Atlantic City as New Jersey’s focal point for sustainable energy awareness and commitment.”

“I am very happy to hear this project is progressing,” added Atlantic County Assemblyman John Amodeo, a sponsor of the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act. “The potential of wind energy is very exciting,” he said. “To have the first commercial wind farm in New Jersey operating outside of Atlantic City could mean a tremendous economic benefit to our local economy.”

Fisherman’s Energy says the project will result in over 200 construction jobs and 15-20 operations, maintenance and asset management related positions. The company has begun pre-construction environmental monitoring and plans to continue this analysis and reporting well after the project is commissioned.

“Fisherman’s Energy’s demonstration project off Atlantic City will be the catalyst needed to jump-start the offshore wind industry in New Jersey and sends the right signals to manufacturers that New Jersey is open for business,” said Daniel Cohen, president of Fisherman’s Energy.

“In about four years, this project will be followed by a utility scale project about 12 miles offshore in federal waters. We must begin now with the State Water’s Project, to build the confidence of the public, the environmental community and financiers, to make larger utility scale projects a reality.

“There are no operating offshore windfarms in America yet; this can be a first for New Jersey and the country.”

Still, Fisherman’s Energy has not received a complete green light to begin construction.

The company now needs a wildlife permit from the Army Corps of Engineers and a state permit to bring the transmission cable ashore.

A renewable-energy program in which polluters can buy offshore-wind credits would also have to be created, according to reports.

“[Last week’s] announcement puts New Jersey one step closer to being America’s leader on offshore wind” said Matt Elliott, Global Warming and Clean Energy Advocate, Environment New Jersey. "Offshore wind is a safe reliable way to generate electricity without creating a drop of pollution. We congratulate Fisherman’s Energy on this exciting news. With all the energy crises facing our nation and our world, we need projects like this more than ever. It’s refreshing to have some good energy news for a change.”

Officials for the company have said the project could be constructed next year.

The demonstration project is designed to show the viability of wind energy. Fisherman’s Energy proposes to follow the project by a full sized utility project further out in coastal waters.

New Jersey is hoping to initially develop about 1,100 megawatts of offshore wind generation. However, long range plans in the state Energy Master Plans call for building up to 3,000 megawatts of capacity.

One megawatt is equivalent to the power needed to light about 800 homes.