MHI Vestas will supply three V164-8.3 MW turbines for New Jersey's first offshore wind project, Nautilus Offshore Wind, according to a statement released by EDF Renewables North America on Tuesday.
The joint venture between Danish Vestas and Japanese Mitsubishi Group has been chosen as the preferred supplier for the pioneering project off the coast of Atlantic City, the statement said, adding the project would be taking MHI Vestas' V164 platform to the U.S. offshore wind market for the first time.
According to the statement, Nautilus Offshore Wind will be located in state waters. The project is currently under review by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for approval of an offshore renewable energy credit (OREC) agreement.
The project's installation timetable is ahead of other U.S. projects with plans to be operational as soon as 2020, it added.
MHI Vestas CEO Philippe Kavafyan said Nautilus provided the company "the timely opportunity" to bring their technology and experience to the U.S. offshore market.
"The knowledge gained in this project will help New Jersey achieve its clean energy goals and lay the groundwork for future offshore wind deployment along the eastern seaboard," he added.
Tristan Grimbert, president and CEO of EDF Renewables North America, pointed out that the company had a long-standing relationship with MHI Vestas in the U.K. offshore sector, as well as with its parent company, Vestas, having installed more than 2 gigawatts of onshore turbines in North America.
"We are pleased to work with MHI Vestas to deliver the key component to our first offshore project that will deliver clean energy and economic benefits in the form of supply chain and jobs to the region," he added.
According to the statement, the project looks to position New Jersey as the U.S. leader in offshore wind energy and create long-term, renewable energy jobs for years to come.
By Hale Turkes
Anadolu Agency