Another offshore wind project in New Jersey is facing obstacles. Leading Light Wind has requested a temporary halt on their plan to construct an offshore wind farm off Long Beach Island. The company has struggled to secure a manufacturer for turbine blades and is currently without a supplier. They have asked for a pause until late December to find a new source of blades.
The project director, Wes Jacobs, stated that they are seeking the pause due to industry-wide shifts in market conditions. The company remains dedicated to delivering the project, emphasizing its significant economic and environmental benefits for New Jersey.
During the pause, Leading Light Wind will continue with survey programs and preparations for the construction and operations plan. Opponents of offshore wind in New Jersey have welcomed the request for a pause, expressing concerns about the impact of offshore wind projects on the marine environment.
Danish energy giant Orsted recently abandoned two offshore wind farms off New Jersey’s coast due to financial reasons. Another project, Atlantic Shores, is also seeking to renegotiate its financial terms. The failure of a wind turbine blade off Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts has further fueled opposition to offshore wind projects.
Leading Light was selected by the state utilities board in January, but challenges arose when turbine manufacturers did not provide suitable options. The project aims to build up to 100 turbines 40 miles off Long Beach Island, providing power to approximately 1 million homes.
New Jersey has become a battleground for differing views on offshore wind, with some residents and politicians opposing it due to environmental concerns and profitability issues. Supporters argue that offshore wind is essential in transitioning away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. New Jersey has ambitious plans to become a hub for the offshore wind industry, including establishing a manufacturing facility for wind turbine components.
