Fishermen's Energy has awarded a contract for independent engineering advice services for a proposed offshore wind farm to TÜV SÜD PMSS, the global renewable energy consulting firm.
Fishermen’s Energy has awarded a contract for independent engineering advice services for a proposed offshore wind farm to TÜV SÜD PMSS, the global renewable energy consulting firm.
The US offshore wind energy developer has asked TÜV SÜD to provide an independent review of the capital and operational expenditure models for its proposed Atlantic City demonstration project, as well as an analysis of the timescales and sequencing of all construction activities.
The contract is a sign that US offshore wind developers such as Fishermen’s are increasingly seeking the services of experienced European consultants who have already cut their teeth in Europe’s offshore wind markets, said TÜV SÜD.
“As the US moves towards the commercial implementation of its projects, we will be working with Fishermen’s Energy to support the development of the Atlantic City windfarm through ensuring best practice in the deployment of capital and operational expenditure and the construction timetable using our European expertise and a local team based in New York," said Doug Pfeister, Senior Vice President, TÜV SÜD PMSS.
“Atlantic City is a pioneering project that will facilitate innovation and enable cost reduction through the rollout of US offshore wind farms," added Pfeister. "The development will act as a barometer for US offshore wind, demonstrating technology, building stakeholder confidence, and helping to accelerate US offshore wind deployment."
Fishermen’s Energy is challenging a recent decision by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to deny an application by the developer for an award of Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates. Project planning, however, remains on track and on schedule.
The Atlantic City demonstration wind farm is a pilot offshore wind project located off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The wind farm will have a maximum capacity of 25MW. As part of the development, the project will feature Keystone Engineering’s ‘Twisted Jacket’ foundation design. This design aims to reduce offshore costs and risks through easier fabrication and installation.
The project was one of three US offshore wind projects to be awarded up to $46.7 million in funding over four years by the Department of Energy to help advance the projects. The development should create 500 jobs and is expected to be commercially operational in 2017.
Sian Crampsie