Public Hears Plans for Ocean Wind Project

OCEAN CITY- A curious crowd filled the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center in Ocean City Aug. 27, to learn about the wind farm project that will be developed 15 miles off the coast of Atlantic City.
Danish power company, Ørsted, plans to build New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm, Ocean Wind, with the support of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), to create long-term and sustainable energy at a low cost to the community.
“The wind speeds off the coast here are tremendous. Some of the wind speed estimates are perfect for steady, strong, and consistent generation of clean energy,” said Kris Ohleth, senior manager for Stakeholder Engagement, who presented a project overview.
The coastal energy demand and a shallow coastal shelf also make New Jersey a suitable area for offshore wind, Ohleth said.
The 1,100-megawatt wind project is set to include over 90 turbines located at a distance that will reduce the visual impact of the shore. This will supply energy to half a million homes. Ocean Wind is expected to be operational in 2024, with construction starting in the early 2020s.
The Ocean Wind project is also expected to increase biodiversity in the area’s waters, as wind turbines have been known to act as artificial reefs for aquatic life.
“So far tonight, and in general, we have seen great support for the project,” Ohleth said. “People have specific concerns and we are glad that they are bringing them to us so that we can figure out the best way to develop a project that works for everyone.”
Ohleth encouraged any local coastal and marine-based businesses to reach out.
“Ocean Wind will create 3,000 construction jobs and we want as many of those jobs to come from southern New Jersey as possible,” Ohleth said.
After the overview, observers could talk to the company’s experts to learn more and ask specific questions about the project.
Some, like local commercial fisherman Jamie Sawyer, came to voice concern for the project.
“They claim that we will be able to fish there, but the way the arrays are going to be positioned, there’s not going to be enough room for us to maneuver our vessels to work there,” Sawyer said.
Sawyer, of North Wildwood, works for Sea Watch International, a vertically integrated company that owns multiple clamming vessels along the northern East Coast. 
“I think wind power is coming whether we want it or not. Me, as a commercial fisherman, I don’t want to see windmills offshore,” he said. “If it is going to be developed, we want it to work, we want it to not eliminate us from these areas of the ocean.”
Many were on board with the plan for cleaner energy. This included Ocean City resident, Matt Bechta, who showed up to the event curious about how the project would be implemented.
“I think this is a good idea to support the demand for energy, and to offset the nonrenewable energies,” Bechta said.
Engineer Mark Klein, who traveled from Haddon Heights to hear the presentation, believes the project is a productive path.
“I have a real interest in seeing this industry develop, seeing how it’s being presented, and seeing what their plans are for the area,” said Klein.
To contact Christina Urban, email curban@cmcherald.com.