The first monopile for Ocean Wind 1, New Jersey’s inaugural offshore wind farm, has been constructed at a manufacturing facility in New Jersey. However, not everyone is thrilled about the project. Cape May County, located south of Atlantic City, is vehemently opposing the development, citing concerns about its impact on marine life and the fact that windmills will be visible from their beaches. They describe the potential consequences of the wind farm as potentially devastating.
On the other hand, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has published a Final Environmental Impact Statement for Ocean Wind 1. The statement found that the project’s plans are environmentally responsible and prioritize the preservation of natural resources and wildlife.
Ørsted, the Danish wind giant that owns Ocean Wind 1, addresses the environmental impact on its website by providing a link to a study from the universities of Copenhagen and Pretoria. This study concluded that offshore wind farms have no negative impact on property prices.
Cape May County government’s objections, however, seem to lack credibility. They reference an article called The Downside to Wind Power from the Harvard Gazette in their press release, which is about land-based wind farms, not offshore ones. They also cite an article from the conservative-leaning Telegraph by a climate denial activist. These sources raise questions about the validity and relevance of the County’s claims.
It is clear that there are differing opinions on the development of New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm. While Ørsted and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management emphasize the project’s responsible and sustainable approach, Cape May County government and the Chamber of Commerce express concerns about its potential impact. It will be important to consider all perspectives and conduct thorough research to ensure the development of offshore wind farms that benefit both the economy and the environment.
Ocean Wind 1 is set to be completed by the end of 2024 and will have a capacity of 1,100 megawatts, enough to power around 380,000 households. This milestone marks a significant step towards New Jersey’s goal of achieving 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035.
