Setting the Pace: NJBPU Announces 2,658 Megawatts of New Offshore Wind Power off Jersey Shore to Orsted, Atlantic Shores

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Environment New Jersey

Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities voted this morning unanimously to greenlight 2658 megawatts of offshore wind through successful winning solicitation bids through Orsted and Atlantic Shores for construction of offshore wind turbines off the Jersey Shore, stretching from Ocean to Cape May Counties. The award is the largest in the nation’s history and put New Jersey on track to reach the goal set out through Gov. Murphy for 7,500 MW by 2035. The previous NJBPU offshore wind solicitation was granted to Orsted in 2019 for 1,100 MW for their Ocean Wind project. The current award will provide enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 1 million New Jersey homes and offshore wind is still the best way to reach the 50% Renewable Portfolio Standard mandate by 2050.

NJBPU staff said the decision was based on cost, environmental and economic impacts and operation, as well as diversification of the supply chain, competition. The NJBPU expects a greenhouse gas reduction of 5 million tons per year. Atlantic Shores I (EDF/Shell) received 1,509.6 MW.  They will use the 13.6 MW Vestas Turbines and expect operation in two phases in 2027 and 2028.  EDF/Shell will also utilize foundations from the Port of Paulsboro. Ocean Wind II (Orsted) received 1,148 MW.  They previously won the first solicitation of 1,100 MW.  They will use 14 MW GE Turbines, and expect operation in three phases in 2028 and 2029 Like EDF/Shell, Orsted will use foundations from the Port of Paulsboro. Orsted will also pursue a truck electrification pilot program at the Port of Newark.

Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey and a long-time offshore wind advocate, released the following statement:

“In the middle of a heat wave, the timing is perfect for the NJBPU to double down on offshore wind and expand New Jersey’s commitment to a clean, renewable energy future. Offshore wind is our best bet to power our state’s economy with clean energy and reduce our climate and air pollution from our power sector. New Jersey has been sitting on a gold mine of offshore wind that has been untapped off the Shore and today’s announcement will expand the number of companies that will construct offshore wind turbines.

The NJBPU’s clear and transparent solicitation process has provided certainty that New Jersey is the national leader on offshore wind and makes it easier to fulfill Gov. Murphy’s commitment to reach 7,500 megawatts of energy by mid next decade. The power of offshore wind – its strength and its crucial proximity to major metropolitan areas – means it is the renewable energy source that can help us to leapfrog fossil fuels. There is still a long way to go to make offshore wind a reality off the Jersey Shore, but today’s successful bids means we’ve have made two big steps to a clean, renewable energy future.” 

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Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. For more information, visit www.environmentnewjerseycenter.org

 

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