IT giant Google sponsored Atlantic Wind Connection (link) today announced that New Jersey has been selected as the first phase for its multi-year offshore wind transmission project. This phase of the project is called the New Jersey (NJ) Energy Link. The selection was based on New Jersey’s commitment to developing an offshore wind industry and the large potential for clean renewable power that exists off its shoreline. The experience with Hurricane Sandy illustrates the clear need for a robust, resilient and modernized electric grid.
The NJ Energy Link will be an offshore electrical transmission cable, buried under the ocean, linking Offshore wind energy resources and users in northern, central and southern New Jersey. The cable will span the length of New Jersey and carry 3,000MW of electricity. The NJ Energy Link will be built in three phases. It is expected to begin construction in 2016 and the first phase to be in service in 2019.
According to a study by IHS Global Insight, building the New Jersey Energy Link will create upwards of 20,000 jobs in New Jersey, many of which will last throughout several years of construction, pump $9 billion into the State economy and bolster state and local tax revenues by $2.2 billion. The IHS job numbers are based on building the NJ Energy Link and the creation of 3,400MW of wind turbine electric capacity.
“The NJ Energy Link can make the grid more reliable and lower the cost of energy in New Jersey by delivering both offshore wind and conventional electricity to where it is needed and when it is needed along the coast, whether that be southern, central or northern New Jersey,” said Robert Mitchell, CEO of the Atlantic Wind Connection.
The Sponsors of the Atlantic Wind connection include, heavy weights such as Google, Bregal Energy Marubeni Corporation and Belgian transmission system operator Elia.
Article Published by Rahul R Prabhu
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