New Jersey is seeking a new round of proposals to build wind energy farms off its coastline, forging ahead with its clean energy goals even as local opposition and challenging economics create blowbackNew Jersey is seeking a new round of proposals to build wind energy farms off its coastline, forging ahead with its clean energy goals even as local opposition and challenging economics create blowback to the effort.
One from Chicago-based Invenergy and New York-based energyRE. Called Leading Light Wind, would be built 40 miles off Long Beach Island and would consist of up to 100 turbines, enough to power 1 million homes. “The strong wind resources off New Jersey's shoreline are well-suited to the development of a robust offshore wind program,” said Kira Lawrence, a senior policy advisor with the board. “New Jersey remains committed to ensuring that natural resources including fish, marine mammals, birds and other wildlife are protected throughout the development, construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore wind projects.
Other comments sent to the board oppose offshore wind projects as economically unsound and environmentally risky.