NJ Board of Public Utilities unveils offshore wind supply chain initiative

Eyeing advancement of offshore wind strategies through an in-state supply chain, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) recently conducted an event detailing opportunities, incentives, and workforce development programs.

The Offshore Wind Supply Chain Networking Event at Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment united New Jersey business leaders, with the overarching goal of aiding the state in reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050.

New Jersey opened a solicitation in September for 1,100 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind, officials said, which represents the nation’s largest single-state solicitation of offshore wind to date. State leadership has also called upon the NJBPU to open additional solicitations for 1,200 MW in 2020 and 2022.

“The networking and collaboration facilitated here is hugely important as we move forward to implement the Governor’s offshore wind vision, which includes building the supply chain and creating job opportunities,” Joseph L. Fiordaliso, NJBPU president, said. “In addition to the obvious clean energy benefits as we attempt to combat the impacts of climate change, the scale of the solicitation is designed to attract the offshore wind supply chain to New Jersey and to create new jobs and economic activity.”

New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) CEO Tim Sullivan said offshore wind presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for new industry development in the state.

“The NJEDA and its partners across state government are prepared to help position businesses of all sizes to take advantage of this opportunity,” Sullivan said.