New Jersey to build wind port for offshore wind projects

Published on June 18, 2020 by Dave Kovaleski


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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced plans to develop New Jersey Wind Port, an infrastructure investment that will provide a location for essential staging, assembly, and manufacturing activities related to offshore wind projects on the East Coast.

The Wind Port has the potential to create up to 1,500 jobs and hundreds of construction jobs in New Jersey. The state is committed to using union labor to construct the Wind Port.

“Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only protect our environment but also greatly expand our state economy in a way that has immediate impacts and paves the way for long-term growth,” Murphy said. “The New Jersey Wind Port will create thousands of high-quality jobs, bring millions of investment dollars to our state, and establish New Jersey as the national capital of offshore wind. This is a vital step forward in achieving our goal of reaching 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2035 and 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”

Construction will begin in 2021 and be done in two phases. The project will cost between $300 to $400 million to build, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is leading development and is considering a range of financing options.

Offshore wind is a key part of the state’s plan to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2050. New Jersey has committed to producing 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. Studies by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), US Department of Energy, and offshore wind project developers show the need for new port facilities for offshore wind.

“As a major component of our Energy Master Plan, offshore wind will be a pillar of achieving the Governor’s goal of 100% clean energy. The New Jersey Wind Port will be a critical project and can ensure our communities are able to access the full economic and environmental benefits of this growing renewable energy industry,” New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso said. “This port will serve as a hub for all offshore wind projects along the East Coast, and further cements New Jersey’s position as a leader in offshore wind development, creating jobs and supply chain, and lowering the future costs of offshore wind.”

The New Jersey Wind Port will be located in Lower Alloways Creek Township on an artificial island on the Delaware River. The site, next to PSEG’s Hope Creek Nuclear Generation Station, was selected after a 22-month assessment process. NJEDA is working closely with the landowner, PSEG (Public Service Enterprise Group).

“The New Jersey Wind Port represents a significant step in New Jersey’s progress as a hub for the growing clean energy economy, creating new jobs and enabling new economic development,” PSEG Chairman, President and CEO Ralph Izzo said. “Achieving a clean energy future is vital for New Jersey’s environment and economy. From the New Jersey Wind Port to the state’s target of 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035, we applaud Governor Murphy’s leadership in bringing the environmental and economic benefits to all of the people of the state. PSEG is New Jersey’s leading source of clean energy, and – from offshore wind and solar to preserving nuclear energy and energy efficiency – we are proud to play a central role in advancing the state’s clean energy future.”