The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities voted today to greenlight 2,658 MW of wind power off the Jersey Shore.
In a unanimous vote, the Board awarded 1,510 MW of capacity to Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind and 1,148 MW to Ørsted’s Ocean Wind II. In addition to strong environmental and fisheries protection plans, each project has committed to investing in New Jersey’s burgeoning offshore wind industry by building new manufacturing facilities at the New Jersey Wind Port, utilizing the foundation manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and injecting billions of dollars in economic benefits into the State.
“Expanding New Jersey’s offshore wind industry is a major component of achieving our goal of 100% clean energy by 2050, while providing significant opportunities and economic benefits for our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By leveraging a whole-of-government approach and the strengths of our state, this award ensures that our investment in clean energy is also an investment in our communities, and will generate good-paying, union jobs and bring valuable investments to New Jersey. Today’s award, which is the nation’s largest combined award to date, further solidifies New Jersey as an offshore wind supply chain hub and leader in the offshore wind industry in the United States.”
The previous NJBPU offshore wind solicitation was granted to Ørsted in 2019 for 1,100 MW for its Ocean Wind project.
Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center (an affiliate of Environment America Research & Policy Center) and a long-time offshore wind advocate, released the following statement:
“In the middle of a heat wave, the timing is perfect for the NJBPU to double down on offshore wind and expand New Jersey’s commitment to a clean, renewable energy future. Offshore wind is our best bet to power our state’s economy with clean energy and reduce our climate and air pollution from our power sector. New Jersey has been sitting on a gold mine of offshore wind that has been untapped off the Shore and today’s announcement will expand the number of companies that will construct offshore wind turbines.
“The NJBPU’s clear and transparent solicitation process has provided certainty that New Jersey is a national leader on offshore wind and makes it easier to fulfill Gov. Murphy’s commitment to reach 7,500 MW of energy by mid next decade. The power of offshore wind – its strength and its crucial proximity to major metropolitan areas – means it’s the renewable energy source that can help us to leapfrog fossil fuels. There is still a long way to go to make offshore wind a reality off the Jersey Shore, but today’s successful bids means we have made two big steps to a clean, renewable energy future.”
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind, Projects
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