TÜV SÜD PMSS supports Fishermen’s Energy

TÜV SÜD PMSS, the global renewable energy consulting firm, has been appointed by Fishermen’s Energy as an independent engineering adviser for the US offshore wind developer’s Atlantic City demonstration project.

Under the terms of the agreement, TÜV SÜD PMSS will provide an independent review of the capital and operational expenditure (CapEx and OpEx) models for the project, as well as analysis of the timescales and sequencing of all construction activities.

As US offshore wind moves towards its construction phase, developers like Fishermen’s Energy are increasingly seeking the services of experienced European consultants who have already cut their teeth in the offshore wind markets of the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, and other countries in Europe.

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 U.S. offshore wind projects to be awarded up to $46.7m 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.

“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 U.S. offshore wind farms.  The development will act as a barometer for US offshore wind, demonstrating technology, building stakeholder confidence, and helping to accelerate US offshore wind deployment.”

Stan White, Programme Director, Fishermen’s Energy said: “We chose to work with TÜV SÜD PMSS based on the firm’s extensive experience in the European offshore wind markets.  As we progress further along the project timeline, we look forward to showcasing Atlantic City as a best-practice model for the wider US offshore wind sector.”