NextEra, WindGrid to partner on NJ offshore wind efforts

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On Thursday, NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic (NEETMA) and WindGrid announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on offshore wind transmission infrastructure efforts in New Jersey.

The project hinges on approval by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

NEETMA submitted a number of proposals to the NJBPU for the NJ Seawind Connector to support transmission needed for the Garden State to reach its offshore wind goals. The NJ Seawind Connector boasts of solutions that would deliver the greatest offshore wind power with the least environmental and local community impacts.

“WindGrid and its parent Elia Group are leaders in engineering, construction and operation of offshore electric transmission projects and we’re pleased to be collaborating with them on our New Jersey proposals,” said Matt Valle, president, NextEra Energy Transmission. “We believe we are well-positioned to help New Jersey achieve its clean energy goals and we look forward to working with all stakeholders on making this important project a success.”

To date, Elia Group has connected 13 wind farms to onshore grids and is currently operating three subsea cable interconnections. The company is also working on new innovative projects such as hybrid interconnectors and energy islands.

“We believe our offshore wind transmission experience will provide valuable insights and provide meaningful benefits if the NEETMA project is selected by the BPU,” said Markus Laukamp, chief executive officer of WindGrid. “Working with NEETMA, we expect to make a meaningful contribution to accelerating the energy transition in New Jersey.”