Consumer Agency Questions Fishermen’s Energy Offshore Wind Farm Project (USA)

A community-based offshore wind developer, Fishermen’s Energy of Cape May, wants to build a wind farm about 2.8 miles off Atlantic City. It is planning to erect five wind turbines that would produce up to 25 megawatts, thus the powering of about 10,000 homes would be enabled.

The company hopes that the state Board of Public Utilities will issue a decision on its proposal by March.

Division of Rate Counsel is urging the Board of Public Utilities not to approve the project, because they find costs greater than revenue.

Fishermen’s Energy says it would employ about 240 workers during construction of the $220 million project and create about 35 permanent jobs. The line would come ashore near Tennessee Avenue and connect to the regional power grid. They also think it would be a big tourist attraction and provide great benefits, so they still have hope that project will be approved after all.

New Jersey Sierra Club director, Jeff Tittel, hopes that large opponent projects would bring down the costs and make everything more advantageous.

[mappress]
Offshore Wind Staff, February 9, 2012; Image : fishermensenergy