Shell’s Windy Greenwashing: Atlantic Shores ‘Clean Energy’ Project Approved—Because Nothing Says Environmental Stewardship Like an Oil Giant

8 Oct 2024

Hold the applause, everyone—Shell, the fossil fuel Goliath, is here to save the environment! Yes, you read that right. The same company that’s been profiting off the destruction of the planet for over a century now wants you to believe they’re the heroes of the renewable energy story. So grab some popcorn and prepare for the spectacle as Shell, the world’s favorite oil-soaked villain, receives federal approval for two offshore wind farms. Because, sure, we’ll all forget about their endless pollution now that they’re planting a few turbines in the Atlantic.

In a partnership that smells suspiciously like a PR stunt, Shell’s subsidiary, Shell New Energies US LLC, has teamed up with EDF-RE Offshore Development, LLC to create Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. The dynamic duo—who both hold a 50% stake—got the green light from federal agencies to build two offshore wind farms 8.7 miles off the New Jersey coast. You know, just close enough to let everyone see the massive Shell logo and maybe forget about all those oil spills.

According to Shell, these wind farms will eventually pump out up to 2,800 megawatts of “clean” energy, potentially powering a million homes in New Jersey. Because nothing screams redemption like 200 wind turbines floating off the coast while Shell continues to dig for oil across the globe. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Pillage one part of the planet, throw a wind farm in another. Bravo, Shell.

Construction is set to begin by 2025, as part of New Jersey’s quest for 100% clean energy by 2035. And isn’t it convenient that Shell, of all companies, is now so deeply committed to this noble cause? It’s like Dracula going vegan—sure, it sounds nice, but who’s buying it?

But wait—there’s more! While Shell and EDF are busy patting themselves on the back, environmental groups are raising red flags. Apparently, those pesky cables being laid under the seabed to transfer electricity might pose a risk to marine life. You know, the kind of risks Shell is usually really good at mitigating—just ask the Gulf of Mexico. But don’t worry, folks. Shell promises to “take reasonable measures” to protect wildlife, which is exactly the kind of half-hearted assurance that makes everyone sleep easier at night. After all, what could go wrong when an oil giant is in charge of protecting the environment?

Of course, Shell’s greenwashing escapade wouldn’t be complete without trumpeting the “economic benefits” of the project. The construction of these wind farms is apparently going to create a bunch of jobs and pump money into the supply chain. Because what better way to distract from the fact that Shell’s main business model involves drilling the planet dry than by dangling some job creation in front of us? It’s a tale as old as time: “Yes, we’re slowly cooking the Earth, but at least we’re hiring!”

And let’s not forget, this isn’t just about New Jersey. Shell’s Atlantic Shores project is conveniently aligned with the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030. Ah, yes—Shell, always the cooperative partner when there’s a chance to score some political points.

So there you have it, folks. Shell is here to save the day with wind power, even as they continue to fuel the climate crisis they helped create. But hey, let’s give them a round of applause for being so forward-thinking in 2024. After all, nothing says “clean energy” like the world’s dirtiest company trying to clean up its image.

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