As reported by Philly citing the spokesman of Department of Environmental Protection Larry Ragonese, the announced reconstruction of Paulsboro port, which is supposed to transform it into the first new marine terminal in 50 years on the Delaware, could attract offshore wind developers to the area.
Ragonese confirmed that eleven private offshore wind developers expressed interest in harnessing the wind power potential off New Jersey’s coastline, which could amount to over 12,000 megawatts of power.
According to the executive director of the Gloucester County Improvement Authority, the construction manager for the project, the port represents the largest economic development in Gloucester County. It will serve as groundwork for expansion of commerce and meet infrastructural requirements for manufacturers, shipping companies and offshore wind developers.
“Offshore wind is definitely a viable possibility for Paulsboro, if it ever occurs,” Kevin Castagnola , executive director and CEO of South Jersey Port Corp pointed out.
“A manufacturer could bring the components in through the port, assemble them there, and then ship them back out. Or, if there was enough work, a manufacturer could build their plant in Paulsboro and manufacture the wind turbines right there,” Castagnola added.
Some $70 million has been spent for the purpose of clearing the site, construction of a retaining wall on the shoreline, and hauling and placing 300,000 cubic yards of soil to raise the elevation of the 190-acre site. In addition, a proposal has been made to construct an access road and a bridge over Mantua Creek, which would connect the port directly to Interstate 295 and thus facilitate traffic operation.
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, April 13, 2012