New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed an Executive Order directing the state administration to initiate the process to develop 3.5GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.

As part of the process to boost offshore wind energy, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is expected to issue 1.1GW in request for proposals (RfPs). 

Under the Order, NJBPU will fully implement the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act (OWEDA), which was signed by Governor Christie in 2010. 

OWEDA is a piece of legislation that allows state agencies to design an Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credit (OREC) program.

Governor Murphy said: “We cannot allow for stagnation in this growing sector of our energy economy and we cannot lose sight of the tremendous opportunity for offshore wind at the Jersey Shore. With this Executive Order, we begin the process of making New Jersey a leader in offshore wind, a critical step toward achieving our clean energy goals.”

The Order asks the NJBPU to start the rulemaking process to fill the gaps in the existings regulations that govern the OREC program. 

To implement the OREC program, NJBPU is expected to approve financial plans submitted by offshore wind developers. 

Under the Order, NJBPU and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will also be working together to establish the Offshore Wind Strategic Plan for the state.

Apart from this, the Executive Order also directs the NJBPU to engage and neighboring states on the potential benefits of regional collaboration on the subject.

Governor Murphy said: “New Jersey is committed to growing our clean energy sector, and offshore wind is at the crux of increasing that part of our economy.”

Recently, New Jersey’s neighboring state New York has issued a ‘master plan’ for the development of up to 2.4GW of offshore wind by 2030.


Image: Wind Turbines Off Shore At Colwyn Bay. Photo: Courtesy of Phil_Bird/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.