NJ Board of Public Utilities awards 2,658 MW of offshore wind
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) awarded 2,658 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity this week, bringing the state closer to Gov. Phil Murphy’s goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind by 2035.
The energy award, which went to two companies, is the nation’s largest combined award to date. NJBPU awarded 1,510 MW of capacity to Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, owned and operated by EDF/Shell, and 1,148 MW to Ocean Wind II, owned and operated by Orsted.
Each project has committed to building new manufacturing facilities at the New Jersey Wind Port, utilizing the foundation manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish New Jersey as the epicenter of a new industry that will provide tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic benefits when we need it most,” Joseph Fiordaliso, president of the NJBPU, said. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we have made significant progress toward our goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind by 2035 and will continue fighting for a clean energy future that benefits all New Jersey residents, improves public health, mitigates climate change, and bolsters our economy with sustainable, good-paying jobs.”
The two projects are estimated to create 7,000 full and or part-time jobs, generate $3.5 billion in economic benefits, and power 1.15 million homes with clean energy. Further, the project developers will contribute $10,000 per MW to fund research initiatives and wildlife and fishery monitoring in the region.
In addition, NJBPU is engaged in a transmission solicitation managed by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection. The solicitation seeks ready-to-build options for an open access transmission solution that can deliver offshore wind energy to the existing grid. The board anticipates opening a third offshore wind solicitation for at least 1,200 MW in 2022.
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) applauded the awards.
“This ruling is a win for the citizens of New Jersey; it will allow the development of clean energy from the abundant wind resources off the New Jersey coast and allow them to take advantage of the economic investment and job creation opportunities the offshore wind industry is poised to deliver to the East Coast this decade. Developing these projects will not only create jobs but will revitalize coastal communities and deliver vast amounts of reliable, clean energy to the region,” Laura Morton, ACP senior director for policy and regulatory affairs for offshore wind, said.
