U.S. INTERIOR DEPARTMENT GIVES KEY APPROVAL TO JERSEY OFFSHORE WIND FARM

The U.S. Interior Department approved the Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm in New Jersey, marking the state's first such project. This approval is part of the Biden administration's push to develop 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030, with 13 gigawatts already greenlit, enough to power 5 million homes.

Before construction can begin, the project still needs federal final approval of its construction and operations plan, along with two state permits. The wind farm, located between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island, will generate 2,800 megawatts, enough to power 1 million homes.

Atlantic Shores, a joint venture between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development LLC, had preliminary approval from New Jersey in 2021. The project will have 195 wind turbines, with the nearest being at least 12.8 miles from shore.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Atlantic Shores CEO Joris Veldhoven emphasized the project's role in achieving clean energy goals and creating union jobs.