Atlantic Shores South wind project earns final federal approval

BOEM has granted final approval for the Atlantic Shores South 1 and 2 project plan, enabling construction and operation of two offshore wind facilities with a combined 2.8 GW in generating capacity. The approved plans include wind turbine generators, offshore substations, and a meteorological tower–with subsea transmission cables linking this clean, renewable energy to New Jersey’s electric grid. The project has the potential to power nearly one million homes.

The Atlantic Shores South wind farm is one of many projects that have been approved by the Biden-Harris administration. Since 2020, the administration has approved ten offshore wind projects for a combined total of 15 GW of capacity, in pursuit of the administration’s goal of 30 GW installed by 2030. 

In recent years, offshore wind technology has become increasingly advanced and efficient. The average capacity of the turbines currently installed is more than 12 times larger than the first offshore wind farm built in 1991, and today’s turbines are hundreds of feet taller and more efficient than turbines installed in 2010.

“Every offshore wind farm plays a pivotal role in transitioning us to a cleaner future,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “If projects like the Atlantic Shores South replace fossil fuel power plants, millions of American households will be powered by the winds blowing off our shores, avoiding pollution that harms our planet or makes our loved ones sick.”