The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities marked the next chapter in the state’s offshore wind sector Wednesday, approving applications during a special board meeting in Trenton for two new projects as part of its third offshore wind solicitation.

Both projects tout the potential for billions of dollars in economic activity and benefits for the state through jobs, manufacturing and other initiatives.

The bids

Leading Light Wind

Where: 40-plus miles off the coast of Long Beach Island
Capacity: Potentially, 2,400 megawatts

Attentive Energy Two

Where: 40-plus miles off the coast of Seaside Heights
Capacity: Potentially, up to 1,342 MW

The approvals come at a critical time for offshore wind in New Jersey, following a setback in October when Ørsted pulled the plug on its planned Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects, which NJBIZ extensively reported on.

However, Gov. Phil Murphy has vowed to forge ahead with his ambitious clean energy goals — and already called for a fourth solicitation of projects.

During the meeting, Kira Lawrence, a senior scientist with the NJBPU, laid out the staff recommendations and rationale for approving the two projects.

“Today, staff is recommending awards for two projects – both of which offer generation of clean energy to combat climate change, provide significant economic benefits in related supply chain developments through the use of New Jersey’s ports and infrastructure, and offer commitments to jobs and economic growth in New Jersey for decades to come,” she said. “The recommended projects meet the eligibility requirements needed to receive an award, as required by the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act and board rules.

“These projects will result in a total of 3,742 MW of offshore wind capacity, and together will provide enough energy to power over 1.8 million homes,” Lawrence continued. “The projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6.4 million short tons annually, which represents approximately one-third of New Jersey’s current greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector. Combined, the project will inject an estimated $6.8 billion into New Jersey’s economy and yield over 27,000 full-time equivalent job years.”

Combined, the project will inject an estimated $6.8 billion into New Jersey’s economy and yield over 27,000 full-time equivalent job years.
– Kira Lawrence, senior scientist, the NJBPU

Both projects would utilize the New Jersey Wind Port for marshaling and manufacturing.

Each received unanimous approval by the NJBPU board.

“The outcome of this solicitation is an incredible step forward for offshore wind in New Jersey,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy, who succeeded the late Joseph Fiordaliso, a longtime proponent of offshore wind. “When Gov. Murphy took office in 2018 and appointed Joe Fiordaliso as President of the BPU, together they made offshore wind a cornerstone of this administration’s energy and economic agenda.”

As she reflected on the moment, Guhl-Sadovy nodded and remembered her predecessor. Fiordaliso was honored later in the meeting when the board unanimously passed a resolution dedicating the NJBPU Hearing Room to him.

Full steam ahead

“From day one, the BPU has been committed to achieving Gov. Murphy’s clean energy goals. And in spite of some setbacks, we’re on track,” Guhl-Sadovy said. “If anything, this solicitation award shows that we’re moving full steam ahead. These two projects will help cement New Jersey’s position as an offshore wind leader and bring the clean energy and economic benefits to our state that have been such a critical part of Gov. Murphy’s agenda. The only thing missing from this historic announcement is the presence of President Joe Fiordaliso. While the setbacks of last year would have been hard, as with every setback, Joe would have moved past it and looked toward the future. And the future of offshore wind – with this historic announcement – is looking very bright. It’s my honor to be in this role and follow Joe’s footsteps and carry on that legacy.”

“Leading Light Wind, a partnership between American companies Invenergy and co-developer energyRe, is honored to have been selected today by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in its third offshore wind solicitation,” the project stakeholders said in a statement.

“New Jersey’s selection of an American-led project is a tremendous step forward for the growth of the domestic offshore wind industry. We are reviewing the order from the BPU and look forward to the opportunity to continue our work with the state and our many community partners to deliver a responsibly developed project that advances New Jersey’s clean energy transition,” the statement continued.

“We are excited that Attentive Energy Two, a joint venture of Total Energies and Corio Generation, has been selected to power New Jersey forward. We are grateful for Gov. Murphy’s leadership and the confidence the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has shown by choosing us as a trusted partner to help advance the state’s clean energy and economic goals,” Damian Bednarz, managing director, Attentive Energy, told NJBIZ in a statement. “This contract award comes after four years of extensive community outreach with local stakeholders including elected leaders, environmental justice groups, labor advocates, and local residents, among many others. The Attentive Energy Two project is a community-driven project committed to building strong partnerships, strengthening the local supply chain, and developing a skilled workforce.”

“We look forward to delivering this project with wide-reaching opportunity and impact for New Jerseyans across the state and continuing our community conversations to shape a cleaner and more equitable energy future,” Bednarz added.

“Today’s Third Solicitation awards are undeniable proof that the future of offshore wind in New Jersey is as strong as ever,” said Gov. 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.”

This story is developing as reaction starts to emerge from across the great Garden State. Stay with NJBIZ for reaction and continued coverage.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:41 p.m. ET Jan. 24, 2024, to include a statement from Gov. Phil Murphy.