Ocean Wind 1 is located 15 miles off the coast of southern New Jersey at its closest point (source: Ørsted)
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is to release a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the proposed Ocean Wind 1 offshore windfarm offshore New Jersey
The DEIS for Ocean Wind 1 analyses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action described in Ocean Wind’s project plan for constructing and operating the windfarm. This is the first DEIS published by the Biden-harris administration for an offshore wind energy project, which has taken numerous steps to advance offshore wind since winning the last US election.
The notice of availability for the DEIS will be published in the Federal Register on 24 June 2022, opening a 45-day public comment period, which ends on 8 August.
During the comment period, BOEM will conduct three virtual public meetings and accept comments on the DEIS. The input received via this process will inform preparation of the Final EIS.
BOEM director Amanda Lefton said, “BOEM remains committed to an environmental review process that establishes a strong foundation for offshore wind projects in the US while promoting ocean co-use and avoiding or reducing potential conflicts.
“Feedback provided by ocean users and our many stakeholders will help inform the Final EIS and provide invaluable insight to decision-makers.”
Ocean Wind proposes to install up to 98 wind turbines generators and up to three offshore substations in the lease area, which is 15 statute miles southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey, with export cables making landfall in Ocean County and Cape May County, New Jersey.
If all of the turbines are approved for installation, the estimated capacity range of the windfarm will be from 1,215 MW to 1,440 MW.
BOEM will use the findings of the EIS to inform its decision on whether to approve Ocean Wind’s proposed project. Ørsted is partnering with PSEG for Ocean Wind 1, which could provide first power in late 2024, subject to federal permitting timelines, other development and construction activities, and final investment decisions by Ørsted and PSEG.
