Ocean Wind 1 Achieves State Permitting Milestones

On Apr 28, 2023

Ocean Wind 1 has achieved major state permitting milestones, marking a significant advancement for the development of the Garden State’s first offshore wind project.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a federal consistency determination, concluding the plans for Ocean Wind 1 are consistent with the enforceable policies of the Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP), which establishes the rules around the use, development and protection of New Jersey’s coastal resources. The Department’s Division of Land Resource Protection also issued four permits, the first permits issued for the construction and operations of Ocean Wind 1.

“The actions by NJDEP represent significant milestones and critical steps that are needed to advance the state’s first offshore wind project and bring clean, reliable energy and the associated economic benefits to the region,” said Maddy Urbish, Ørsted’s head of government affairs and market strategy, New Jersey.

The federal consistency determination confirms that NJDEP agrees that construction of Ocean Wind 1 will be conducted in a manner consistent with the CZMP while the permits issued by the Division of Land Resource Protection relate to work and activities in tidal waters, coastal areas and wetlands and freshwater wetlands. These permits include the Waterfront Development Permit, Coastal Areas Facility Review Act Permit, Coastal Wetlands Permit and Freshwater Wetlands Permit.

“The issuance of these permits affirms that the proposed plans for Ocean Wind 1 sufficiently avoid and minimize impacts to New Jersey’s natural resources,” said Katharine Perry, permit manager for Ocean Wind 1.

Additional federal, state and local approvals, in addition to approval from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, are required before construction on Ocean Wind 1 can begin.

Developed by Ørsted and PSEG, Ocean Wind 1 will be located 15 miles off the coast of southern New Jersey. At 1,100 MW, Ocean Wind 1 will provide clean energy to 500,000 homes in New Jersey, deliver thousands of jobs, and advance supply chain initiatives while helping the state meet its clean energy goals.

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