Ocean County

Open House to Showcase Offshore Wind Project in Ocean County

by
Daniel Nee
February 4, 2020

Offshore wind turbine. (Photo: Harald Pettersen/Statoil)

Representatives from Danish offshore wind developer Ørsted will host an open house to update Ocean County residents on the progress of its offshore Ocean Wind project this Wednesday, Feb. 5

According to the company, attendees will have the opportunity to visit and interact with Ørsted employees who will be on-hand to discuss specific aspects of the company’s plans to build a 1,100 megawatt offshore wind farm that will power more than half a million New Jersey homes. Ocean Wind will be located 15 miles off the coast of Atlantic City. Construction is expected to commence in the early 2020s, with the wind farm operational in 2024.

“Ocean Wind will contribute significantly to the state’s ambitious renewable energy goal of supplying more than 3.2 million New Jersey homes with offshore wind power by 2035,” the company said in its announcement.

At 1,100 megawatts, Ocean Wind is expected to create over 3,000 direct jobs annually through development and three-year construction cycle. Ocean Wind will also have 69 full-time jobs in its operations and maintenance facility to service the turbines during the lifetime of the wind farm.

Offshore wind leasing sites. (Credit: NOAA)

“We look forward to engaging and connecting with local residents again about how Ocean Wind is progressing,” said Kris Ohleth, senior stakeholder relations manager for Ørsted. “This is a new American industry and New Jersey is poised to be a key player within offshore wind, so we expect and welcome questions and comments. We remain open and eager to speak with the local community and share how offshore wind will spur economic opportunities across the region.”

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Holiday Beach Club, located on Lighthouse Drive in Waretown. Free parking will be available. Doors will open at 6 p.m.