Fishermen’s Energy Expects NJ BPU to Change Mind after DOE’s Decision

Following the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to award up to $46.7 million of funding to Fishermen’s Energy, the company hopes that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) will recognize the importance of its demonstration offshore wind project off the coast of Atlantic City, which could be the first offshore wind farm in America.

Fishermen's Energy Expects NJ BPU to Change Mind after DOE's Decision

Chris Wissemann, CEO of Fishermen’s Energy, said: “From an initial field of over fifty applicants, Fishermen’s Atlantic City Windfarm project competitively won two rounds of deep analysis by the DOE. Fishermen’s is confident that the NJ Board of Public Utilities will recognize the vetting by the DOE of the project, and will now engage with Fishermen’s to finalize our OREC application so the project can proceed expeditiously.” 

Senate President Steve Sweeney, commented: “Unfortunately, the BPU does not understand the incredible benefit that offshore wind would bring to New Jersey’s economy. At least we know that the DOE sees the value. There is still hope for offshore wind in New Jersey.”

Construction in Atlantic City is planned to commence onshore in 2015, with offshore construction and commissioning of the first grid connected US offshore wind farm in 2016.

Related: 

New Jersey BPU Says ‘No’ to Fishermen’s Energy Offshore Wind Project 

Fishermen’s Energy Files an Appeal on NJ BPU’s Decision 

Fishermen’s Energy Still Moves Forward 

Fishermen’s Energy Taking Its Offshore Wind Case to Court 

DoE Selects Three Offshore Wind Demo Projects 

Press Release, May 12, 2014; Image: Fishermen’s Energy