Plans call for an eventual minimum 100 wind turbines in Delaware Bay in the state’s southwestern tip, between 1 and 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 kilometers) offshore. The turbines will be visible from the shore but Renz says the area is sparsely populated. The location is also favorable because turbines will be close to the onshore electrical grid.

``This project can fulfill 13% of Governor (Jon) Corzine’s visionary energy master plan goals for offshore wind power,’’ says Renz. ``These turbines, located in shallow water, are easier to build than the ocean-based deep water turbines.’’

The upshot, he adds, is that ``we can deliver jobs and opportunities, along with a substantial amount of clean energy, more quickly to New Jersey residents.’’

The Corzine plan requires 1,000MW of offshore wind generation by 2012 and 3,000MW by 2020 as part of New Jersey’s effort to boost renewable energy generation and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Jeanne Fox, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, said the regulatory body ``welcomes and encourages environmentally sound proposals’’ from the private sector to meet Corzine’s goals.

Renz says the permit applications were sent to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

If approved, they would authorize installation of four data collection and monitoring stations in Delaware Bay. They will measure wind strength and carry out scientific studies to ensure the turbines will not endanger bats, birds or other wildlife.

Renz estimates data collection will take three years.

He says the project has been ``well received in all quarters’’ of the state’s political spectrum.

Delsea Energy is located in Toms River, New Jersey.