JERSEY OFFSHORE WIND RUSH

Demand is strong for N.J. offshore wind farm parcels
Eliot Caroom, June 11, 2011 (Newark Star-Ledger)

"Eleven offshore wind companies want to stake a claim — and construct clusters of huge turbines — in federal waters off the coast of New Jersey, according to a document released by federal officials…

"Authorities sought to gauge interest in a checkerboard of parcels in the sea starting about 8 miles from the Jersey Shore…[I]t is clear that more than a few companies have an eye on the territory…"

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"Offshore wind has been a recent focus of attention for both federal authorities and the state, which unveiled guidelines for new financial incentives for wind projects earlier this year. A state law calls for at least 1,100 megawatts of offshore wind capacity — enough to power more than 400,000 households.

"The stretch of ocean is one of four East Coast areas chosen by the federal government for priority development…The 550-square mile area to be leased by the federal government is divided into more than 70 blocks, and most of the companies expressing interest applied to develop large portions of the area. At least two applied for the whole thing."

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"Others had a more narrow scope, including Garden State Offshore Energy, a joint venture between PSEG and Deepwater Wind…Interim research leases were awarded in 2009 to Bluewater Wind, Deepwater Wind and Fishermen’s Energy of New Jersey, which is near the end of permitting for a smaller 25-megawatt wind farm a few miles off the coast of Atlantic City.

"After reviewing the responses…the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement [of the Department of Interior] will decide how to manage the bidding process for leases."