Atlantic Shores Stands Firm on New Jersey Offshore Wind Despite Shell's Withdrawal

Despite Shell's recent decision to withdraw from the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project in New Jersey, the project's developer, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, LLC, has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the Garden State's first offshore wind project. The company, a 50:50 partnership between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF Renewables North America, has reiterated its dedication to progressing the project in compliance with its obligations to local, state, and federal partners under existing leases and relevant permits.



The Atlantic Shores project, initially planned as a 2,800-megawatt array of 197 turbines off Long Beach Island and Brigantine, N.J., has faced challenges in recent months. Shell's withdrawal and the subsequent $996 million impairment have raised questions about the project's future. However, Atlantic Shores has maintained that it will continue to work towards delivering clean, renewable power to New Jersey residents.

Atlantic Shores has committed over $50 million to community programs and strategic partnerships in New Jersey, supporting the responsible management of marine and coastal resources, workforce development, and supply chain growth. The project is expected to contribute more than $1.9 billion in total economic benefits to the Garden State, with $848 million in guaranteed local direct investment. It will create 22,290 direct full-time equivalency jobs (FTEs), more than 11,810 indirect FTEs, and over 14,820 induced FTEs, including thousands of highly-skilled, family-sustaining union jobs in construction and operation.

The project's Construction and Operations Plan (COP) approvals from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for Atlantic Shores Projects 1 and 2 have enabled the near-term creation of thousands of in-demand jobs and acceleration of billions of dollars in supply chain investments being made in the Garden State. The project is expected to generate enough renewable energy to serve more than 1 million New Jersey homes.

Atlantic Shores' commitment to the project comes amidst ongoing economic challenges and geopolitical tensions that have led to supply chain disruptions and increased costs for offshore wind projects. However, the company's strategic partnerships and investments in workforce development programs, such as the Wind Technician Training/Wind Power Ready program in partnership with the Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), demonstrate its dedication to addressing these challenges and ensuring the project's success.

In conclusion, Atlantic Shores' reaffirmed commitment to the New Jersey offshore wind project highlights the potential for offshore wind to contribute to the state's economy and energy independence. Despite the challenges posed by Shell's withdrawal and the broader economic climate, Atlantic Shores remains dedicated to delivering clean, renewable power to New Jersey residents and creating jobs and economic opportunities in the process.