NJEDA weighs clean energy manufacturing pilot

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The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has issued a request for information as it considers establishing a clean energy manufacturing pilot program for the state.

The NJEDA said the responses, which are due by Nov. 22, would help shape a potential grant or forgivable loan program to help offset costs for Garden State companies that procure clean energy technologies from manufacturers seeking to expand or establish a presence here. The agency noted that the goal is to build a pipeline of projects for clean energy manufacturers that are competitive for New Jersey customers, while helping early adopters minimize the costs of implementing clean technologies.

The program would also aim to create high-quality manufacturing jobs in the state, make New Jersey a hub for clean energy manufacturing and innovation, and build a diverse workforce in the burgeoning clean energy sector.

The RFI comes amid a nationwide manufacturing resurgence, following the subsequent supply chain failures during the pandemic, and on the heels of the recently announced New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP).

Jane Cohen, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, says there has never been a more exciting time to be part of the clean energy transformation.

“New Jersey continues to find new and creative ways to support businesses in this vital sector and the feedback we receive from this RFI will help us continue to attract new manufacturers while supporting those already established within the state,” said Cohen.

“This pilot program would benefit entities that sit at the intersection of clean energy and manufacturing, two vital sectors as we work to achieve Gov. Phil Murphy’s goal of establishing New Jersey as a leader in innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Direct input from stakeholders with perspectives on manufacturing innovative clean energy technologies will enable us to continue to make strategic investments to address their needs and positions them well for the future.”

The RFI can be found here.