News | Energy Efficiency

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/wind/atlantic-wind-connection-applies-for-offshore-permits.html

Atlantic Wind Connection (AWC), a transmission system for offshore wind farms proposed by transmission operator Trans-Elect Development Company, has made an application to use the US outer continental shelf for an offshore transmission system.

The proposed project would take place in five stages, with 650 miles (1,050 km) of offshore cable constructed over a ten year timeframe, and cost up to $5bn.
It has raised money form sponsors that include Google’s renewable focused energy division, Google Energy, cleantech investor Good Energies and Japanese trading company Marubeni.
‘AWC supports the renewable energy standards of states in the region, and it would enhance the competitive regional electric market by increasing supply options and reducing congestion on existing facilities,’ said Markian Melnyk, president of Atlantic Grid Development, AWC’s development company.
The company plans to begin construction of the first phase of the project, a 2,000MW line from southern New Jersey to Delaware, in early 2013, with commercial service beginning in 2016.
Ultimately, the line is planned to run from New York City to Norfolk, Virginia and could be completed by 2021.
Google Energy and Good Energies each currently own a 37.5 per cent stake in AWC, with Marubeni owning ten per cent, though these stakes are expected to shrink as new investors are brought on board.