Abstract
This study delivers a high-resolution, device-level assessment of tidal and wave energy potential along the New Jersey coastline to support the state’s clean energy goals and address climate change and fossil fuel dependency. While offshore wind has been extensively studied, tidal and wave energy remain underexplored in New Jersey, particularly at fine scales. This report fills this gap by evaluating technical feasibility, environmental constraints, and regulatory frameworks for responsible marine renewable energy development.
The research utilized advanced numerical models to map resource availability. Tidal energy assessments employed Delft3D to simulate current velocities and power density from Delaware Bay to the New York Bight, with device-level analysis to match turbine technologies to local conditions. Wave energy assessments used the SWAN model to characterize spatial, temporal, and seasonal variability in nearshore and offshore wave climates. These analyses were integrated with GIS-based multi-criteria decision frameworks, incorporating ecological protections, navigation routes, and coastal infrastructure to identify conflict-free deployment sites.
The modeling results indicate that New Jersey’s tidal energy resources are modest, with harnessable potential ranging from 24 to 88 MW, constrained by navigation channels, depth, and sensitive habitats. Promising tidal sites include Hudson River, Barnegat Bay, Cape May, and two Delaware River locations one near Trenton and another between Philadelphia and Wilmington selected for accessibility and reduced waterway conflicts. Wave energy resources are moderate, with winter storms yielding the highest power (8–10 kW/m), and suitability analysis highlights four areas off Atlantic City as ideal for pilot wave energy converter projects. However, the model’s limitations in simulating shoreline wave dynamics, coupled with significant wave attenuation due to New Jersey’s wide continental shelf, preclude recommendations for onshore wave energy development.
The study concludes that tidal and wave energy can contribute to New Jersey’s renewable energy portfolio if pursued strategically. Near-term opportunities include small-scale pilot projects at high-potential sites, with careful device selection to optimize performance. Long-term success requires streamlined permitting, ongoing environmental monitoring, and policy incentives to encourage investment in emerging technologies. By integrating high-resolution modeling with comprehensive environmental and regulatory analysis, this report provides a practical roadmap for advancing marine renewable energy within New Jersey’s clean energy strategy, positioning the state as a mid-Atlantic leader. Further research on field measurements, long-term ecological impacts, and stakeholder engagement is recommended to refine deployment approaches.