Offshore

New Jersey speeds up its offshore wind solicitation schedule

New Jersey speeds up its offshore wind solicitation schedule
(Photo by Nicholas Doherty on Unsplash)

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) announced the acceleration of the state’s offshore wind solicitation schedule, expediting the projected opening of its fifth offshore wind solicitation from Q3 2026 to Q2 2025.

“Offshore wind development remains a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will result in significant economic and environmental benefits throughout the Garden State,” said Governor Murphy. “At this pivotal inflection point for the industry both in New Jersey and across the nation, it’s critical that we remain committed to delivering on the promise of thousands of family-sustaining, union jobs, and cleaner air for generations to come.”

The NJBPU recently announced the opening of the state’s fourth solicitation for 1.2 to 4 GW of offshore wind generation capacity. The application window will remain open until 5:00 p.m. ET on July 10, 2024.

The NJBPU also announced that it will pause on moving forward with the Second State Agreement Approach (SAA) for coordinated offshore wind transmission planning with regional grid operator, PJM Interconnection (PJM). The decision to pause follows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) release of Order 1920 which addresses long-term regional transmission planning and PJM’s ongoing interconnection queue reform process, each of which impacts planning and costs. The NJBPU says pausing at this time allows board staff to fully evaluate the implications of the new FERC rule and participate in PJM’s process.

Additionally, the Murphy Administration announced that the state and NJBPU have settled their claims against Orsted arising out of Orsted’s decision to cease development on the Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2 projects. The state and Orsted have agreed to release claims against each other arising out of or related to the Ocean Wind Projects, and the state will receive $125 million.  

The funds will be used to support investments in qualified wind energy facilities, investments in offshore wind component manufacturing facilities, and other clean energy programs.

“New Jersey’s economic and environmental future depends on the bold action we take today to secure billions of dollars in economic benefits and a significant reduction in emissions from the electric sector,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “By accelerating New Jersey’s offshore wind development schedule, we underscore our commitment to realizing the industry’s full potential for the benefit of all New Jerseyans.”

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