NEW JERSEY —The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) Wednesday awarded a combined 3,742 MW of offshore wind capacity to Invenergy and energyRE’s Leading Light Wind Project and Attentive Energy LLC’s Attentive Energy Two Project, advancing the State’s progress toward a 100% clean energy economy by 2035.
In a unanimous vote, the Board awarded 2,400 MW of capacity to Leading Light Wind and 1,342 MW to Attentive Energy Two. Combined, the projects will bring $6.8 billion in economic benefits to New Jersey and provide enough domestically produced energy to power 1.8 million homes.
“Today’s Third Solicitation awards are undeniable proof that the future of offshore wind in New Jersey is as strong as ever,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “From our talented workforce to our growing standing as a regional supply chain hub, our state remains an unparalleled location for the top developers in the world to plant their flags. In addition to bringing good-paying jobs and environmental benefits to the Garden State, these projects will significantly advance our pursuit of a 100% clean energy economy by 2035.”
“Today’s award further cements New Jersey’s commitment to building a strong offshore wind industry,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “This portfolio of projects collectively represents what offshore wind offers – clean energy that will yield environmental benefits for generations to come, economic benefits to boost New Jersey’s economy for decades, and thousands of good-paying, family-sustaining jobs.”
“Today marks an incredible advancement in pursuing Governor’s Murphy’s mission to achieve 100% clean energy and make New Jersey a national leader in the offshore wind industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our long-term economic growth and sustainability, and it has already started to create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs across South Jersey. The future of offshore wind is bright and it’s critical New Jersey remains at the forefront.”
“The development of offshore wind energy is crucial to reaching our clean energy goal of of 100 percent clean energy by 2035 and mitigating the worsening impacts of climate change,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “My DEP colleagues and I are proud to be part of this effort and are working hard to ensure that the responsible development of offshore wind is protective of our state’s natural resources while providing clean energy to millions of homes and businesses and creating family-sustaining green jobs capable of lifting all people and communities across the Garden State.”
These projects provide cornerstone economic benefits that promise to build upon New Jersey’s standing as an offshore wind supply chain. Both projects have committed to supporting the establishment of a tower manufacturer at the New Jersey Wind Port in addition to sourcing monopiles from, and investing in, the expansion of the EEW monopile facility at the Port of Paulsboro. Together, the projects are estimated to create more than 27,000 direct, indirect, and induced full-time equivalent job years.
The State’s comprehensive approach to offshore wind development aims to secure the best overall value for ratepayers while protecting the environment and commercial and recreational fishing interests. In addition to creating economic benefits and jobs, the awarded projects have also committed to provide support for environmental and fisheries research, monitoring, and conservation efforts in an amount totaling over $60 million.
The total bill impact of the two projects for residential customers will be $6.84 per month, beginning only once these offshore wind facilities are operational and delivering clean electricity to the New Jersey grid.
The Murphy Administration has led an all-of-government effort to bolster the state’s clean energy transition while focusing on jobs and economic growth. This includes developing the nation’s first purpose-built New Jersey Wind Port in Salem County, establishing a Wind Institute administered by New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority to coordinate workforce development and research and development in offshore wind, and making a $250 million investment in the Port of Paulsboro to establish a monopile manufacturing facility.
On November 29, 2023, Governor Murphy directed the NJBPU to accelerate the State’s fourth offshore wind solicitation, with project awards anticipated in early 2025.
For more information about New Jersey’s offshore wind program, visit www.njcleanenergy.com/nj-offshore-wind.
