TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Despite some recent setbacks, New Jersey appears to be moving full-steam ahead with offshore wind ventures after the state’s Board of Public Utilities approved two new contracts Wednesday morning.
Leading Light Wind and Attentive Energy were each awarded a contract. Leading Light Wind is the first American company to receive approval for an offshore wind project, according to the board.
The Leading Light Wind project is expected to be completed in two phases, 40 miles offshore. The first phase is expected to go online in 2031, and the second phase is expected to go online one year after that. The project promises to keep costs lower for low-income households.
Attentive Energy has leased an area 47 miles offshore. That project is also expected to go online in 2031.
BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy says it’s vital for New Jersey to move ahead with Gov. Phil Murphy’s ambitious goal of zero emissions by 2035.
“From Day One, the BPU has been committed to achieving Gov. Murphy’s clean energy goals,” Guhl-Sadovy said. “And in spite of some setbacks, we’re on track.”
The setbacks came when Danish wind energy infrastructure developer Orsted backed out of two planned projects last November. The newly approved applications for offshore wind projects in South Jersey will replace those agreements.
“This investment in clean energy is really about the future of New Jersey and our fight against climate change and the impacts that clean energy can bring to this state and to the planet,” Guhl-Sadovy said. “And we do that for our children.”
She said both projects will help cement New Jersey’s position as an offshore wind leader.
The BPU says the manufacturing site in Paulsboro will continue to be the main hub under these plans. And the first turbines are expected to be up and running in 2031.