New partnership hopes to propel NJ as offshore wind leader

Atlantic Power Transmission (APT) announced a partnership with Morrison Energy Aug. 3 in a move to continue to position New Jersey as a global leader in the rapidly developing offshore wind energy sector.

As part of the agreement, Morrison will have a dedicated presence in the Garden State while supporting APT’s 10-year, $50 million commitment to workforce development in New Jersey via the fabrication of 5,000-ton substation foundation jackets.

APT is a portfolio company of Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager and an active investor in the energy sector. The commitment addresses one of the recommendations outlined by the New Jersey Offshore Wind Strategic Plan: to create a workforce hub for the burgeoning industry.

According to the companies, the landmark initiative kicks off an exciting chapter in the East Coast’s clean energy transition. The fabrication facilities will bring hundreds of jobs to the state and serve as the foundation for future projects. Union workers will also receive training in a unique skill set.

“Morrison is a leader in the energy sector, with an exceptional management team. I’m thrilled to work alongside Chet Morrison and Kirk Meche, who bring four decades of experience as thought leaders in the energy industry,” said APT Chief Executive Office Andy Geissbuehler. “Partnering with Morrison will bring the industry expertise needed for this project and investing in training our local workforce to secure New Jersey’s position as a wind leader for decades to come.”

In support of the bids, APT partnered with the New Jersey Union Coalition, which includes the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, International Union of Operating Engineers Locals 825 and 25, Iron Workers Local 399 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 456.

“The EAS Carpenters are encouraged by how APT and Morrison have seized this opportunity and are focused on plans to train and prepare New Jersey’s highly skilled tradesmen and women for future industries in the state,” said William Sproule, executive secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

“APT and Blackstone have been the ideal partners not only to IUOE 825 but New Jersey labor generally,” said IUOE Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee. “They have proactively sought opportunities to train and credential our collective brotherhood in the skills needed for this transition to offshore wind. We are excited to collaborate with APT and Morrison on this new, groundbreaking initiative.”

In December 2021, APT announced its bid to develop a clean power transmission solution. This new partnership will be executed upon award of APT’s bid to provide transmission to deliver 3,600MW of offshore wind power to the existing electrical grid under the New Jersey Offshore Wind SAA Transmission Solicitation.

“Morrison is committed to the development of offshore wind energy in the United States by supporting APT’s partnership in developing New Jersey’s union workforce with skilled workers who can propel the New Jersey wind energy sector forward for decades to come,” said that company’s CEO, Chet Morrison.

“We are thrilled to partner with Morrison and New Jersey’s labor force to anchor a transformative initiative that would provide jobs and accelerate the development of the local clean energy supply chain to make New Jersey the center of the offshore wind industry on the East Coast,” said Kurt Summers, head of public-private partnerships at Blackstone Infrastructure.