The authority said the goal is to build a pipeline of projects for companies that are competitive for New Jersey customers, while helping early adopters minimize the costs of implementing clean technologies.

Atlantic Power Transmission's collaboration with Morrison Energy to build and train a local, union-based workforce would be executed if APT is awarded its bid under the New Jersey Offshore Wind SAA Transmission Solicitation. According to the partners, the proposed fabrication facilities efforts would also serve as the foundation for future projects.

A recent Stevens TechPulse Report from the Hoboken university "highlights the tremendous progress made in sparking public interest, but also exposes the bigger challenge that lies ahead — converting that momentum into tangible action," according to Assistant Professor Philip Odonkor.

That's according to not one, but two new studies released this week by the Applied Economic Clinic, which found the state stands to gain an average of $1.3 billion in economic activity and 11,000 well-paying jobs annually.

As part of a plan designed to put an additional 2,000 people to work in the field, the utility said the initiative would provide low- to moderate-income residents with the skills needed to succeed in the sector.

“Clean hydrogen has the promise to expand New Jersey’s diverse clean energy portfolio,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “Clean hydrogen technology also has the potential to improve net greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutant impacts. Joining together with our regional partners will allow us to build a strong coalition for the development of clean hydrogen technology and cultivate economic growth and opportunity for New Jersey.”

“A key goal of the Energy Master Plan is dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and today’s action by the Board is a massive step in that direction," New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso said.

Lawmakers and New Jersey environmentalists — critical of what they characterize as the Murphy administration’s sluggish efforts — are rolling out a much faster policy agenda during the governor’s next four years.

The guideline is meant to curb state emissions over the next decade.

Green energy startups considering New Jersey as their base of operations could get seed grants of up to $75,000 from a new pool of state funds focused on developing technology that would capture or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

The technology serves the Murphy administration’s overall goals of developing a “clean energy economy” for the state by the middle of the century, said Joseph Fiordaliso, who heads the NJBPU, which runs the program in coordination with the NJEDA.

The Outerbridge Renewable Connector Project in South Amboy will help the state achieve its goal of providing 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2035, and 100% clean energy by 2050.