Ørsted has requested permission to connect power to the regional electric grid at two Delaware locations from its Skipjack offshore wind project.
No decision has been made on the preferred location.
Brady Walker, Ørsted’s Mid-Atlantic Market Manager made the following statement:
“Ørsted establishes multiple interconnection positions with PJM as a matter of due diligence and Bethany and Cedar Neck are two of its positions for the Skipjack Wind Farm. No decisions have been made on an alternative interconnection site at this time. Ørsted hopes to announce an alternative site in the coming weeks. Ørsted remains committed to completing the Skipjack Wind Farm by late 2023 as announced earlier this year.”
PJM is the regional transmission organizer that coordinates the movement of electricity in 13 states including Delaware. PJM must approve any plan to connect to the grid.
An “interconnection position” is a request to connect to the PJM grid at a specific location.
Ørsted earlier withdrew a plan to connect to the grid in a portion of Fenwick Island State Park, citing environmental concerns.
The Fenwick connection had been opposed by some Fenwick residents who cited the fragile environment in that area. Ørsted had offered to pay $18 million to the state for improvements at the popular state park.
The mayor of Ocean City is opposed to the offshore wind project and wants it moved further offshore.
Critics have claimed the wind power project will have a negative effect on tourism in the area by spoiling ocean views.
Supporters cite the need for clean electricity and claim the towers are too far offshore (about 17 miles) to have an impact.
Denmark-based Ørsted has a number of offshore wind projects in the works off the East Coast.
