When will windmills power up off South Jersey beaches? What the developer now says
When will New Jerseyans see a much-debated wind farm on their coast? Developers now anticipating a slew of setbacks that could put it more than two years out.
Orsted, the Danish clean energy company spearheading the build, is facing potential operational delays as a result of supply chain issues, lacking tax credits from the federal government and higher interest rates, according to a recent company announcement.
Ocean Wind 1, the project expected to bring 98 wind turbines 15 miles off the Atlantic City coast, is now expected to be commissioned in 2026, pending a pre-final investment decision.
But that's not stopping anyone, including the developer.
"We have not slowed down or paused any planned project activity. Ocean Wind 1 remains on schedule for operations in 2025," project director Hina Kazmi said in a prepared statement.
The project will continue its advancement despite these impairments, with offshore constructions expected to "ramp up" in 2024, according to Kazmi.
Ocean Wind 1 was the third approval of a commercial-scale, offshore wind energy project from the Biden-Harris Administration, moving toward a goal of developing 30 gigawatts of clean, renewable offshore wind energy by 2030.
Why is Ocean Wind 1 controversial?
This oceanic build has been the focal point of many community debates: Residents near the New Jersey shores either applaud or abhor the efforts to build the windfarm in their ocean, and there is little to no in-between.
Orsted claims Ocean Wind 1 will deliver estimated capacity of 1,100 megawatts of clean energy, power roughly 400,000 homes and create jobs in local markets.
But those opposed to the wind farm cite concerns of wind turbines being an eyesore on their shores and claim that the oceanic infrastructure is harming marine life.
In many communities, the issue is polarizing. One stroll down Lafayette Street in Cape May results in opposing lawn signs just a few doors apart.
Protect Our Coast NJ (POCNJ), is a grassroots initiative formed to prevent the windfarm.
A parade of protesters, many involved with POCNJ, took to New Jersey's shores in July, carrying large posterboards covered in phrases like "Why," "Save our ocean," and "Stop killing us" along with infographics in an event called "Hands Across the Beaches."
The demonstration was planned for over 25 New Jersey beaches with people turning out to link hands in protest and share their disapproval for Ocean Wind 1.
"POCNJ is pleased by Orsted's announcement of a delay; however, we remain resolute in preventing the industrialization of the Atlantic Ocean and destruction of the New Jersey Coastline," representatives said in a news release.
The political divide on the issue has resulted in Republican leaders repeatedly speaking out against the offshore windfarm, while Democrats show their support.
"While this is a victory, we cannot take the pressure off of these companies," said U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, representing the state's 2nd district. "These projects are profit-driven, damaging to our oceans, negatively impact our national security, and cause utility bills to skyrocket," he said.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, a Democrat, however, has been cited on the projects website supporting the project to be constructed just miles off the city's coast.
"For Atlantic City, offshore wind means new educational and job opportunities for locals. I'm particularly excited for Orsted's Wind Power Ready program, which train future wind turbine technicians right here in New Jersey," Small said.
Regardless of where it stands in the court of public opinion, the Ocean Wind 1 project is persisting.
Kazmi says that onshore construction will begin in the coming weeks, and the project remains on schedule for operations in 2025 and final commissioning in 2026's first quarter.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Orsted's Ocean Wind 1 to continue for 2026 despite possible issues
