Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind has selected Riggs Distler to oversee the expansion of the Cardiff substation for Project 1, New Jersey's inaugural offshore wind project.

The contract covers the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of new electrical equipment to expand the 230 kV Cardiff substation in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County.

The expansion entails site preparation and construction of a new electrical enclosure and control building to accommodate a 230kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) system with its associated controls.

Additional improvements include outdoor electrical equipment, 230 kV duct banks, auxiliary equipment, site fencing and cable trenches.  

Riggs Distler president and CEO Steve Zemaitatis stated: “Riggs Distler is proud to support Atlantic Shores on this important infrastructure project connecting offshore wind energy to the grid in New Jersey.

“Along with our partners, Jingoli Power and Worley Engineering, our work is creating economic growth and job opportunities right here in our own backyard as we work to build a cleaner energy future.”

Atlantic Shores Project 1 will supply more than 1.5GW of clean energy to the state of New Jersey.

The project will produce renewable power for more than 700,000 homes and is expected to contribute $2bn to New Jersey's economy.

Atlantic Shores CEO Joris Veldhoven said: “Atlantic Shores is thrilled to partner with Riggs Distler on making critical near-term investments at the Cardiff substation that support the local supply chain and create even more great-paying union jobs in Atlantic County.

“These important infrastructure upgrades will enable us to bring safe, reliable renewable power from New Jersey's first offshore wind project onto the electric grid.”

Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind is a joint venture equally owned by Shell New Energies US and EDF-RE Offshore Development, a subsidiary of EDF Renewables North America.