Offshore Wind Energy San Francisco, CA — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy today announced record-setting next steps to harness the state’s massive, untapped offshore wind power potential. On September 17, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will consider inviting bids for 1,100 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power development – enough to power more than 350,000 homes. Gov. Murphy also called for future solicitations of 1,200 MW in 2020 and 2022. Gov. Murphy made the announcement at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco.
“Today, Gov. Murphy has set a bold but achievable timeline for powering New Jersey’s communities and economy with clean offshore wind energy. With the technology proven, prices falling, and the climate and pollution threat of fossil fuels more clear than ever, the time has come for aggressive action on offshore wind power. We look forward to working with the Murphy administration to ensure that all projects built to power New Jersey are developed responsibly with the highest standards of wildlife protection in place every step of the way.”
- Curtis Fisher, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Northeast Regional Center
In January, Gov. Murphy delivered on a campaign promise by signing Executive Order 8, directing the state to develop an Offshore Wind Master Plan for reaching 3,500 MW of offshore wind power by 2030, and followed in May by signing legislation putting this nation-leading commitment into law. Gov. Murphy’s January order included instructions for wildlife protection, specifically stating that the Plan will “focus on critical components of offshore wind development, including job growth, workforce development, data collection, and appropriate determination of facilities, as well as ensuring that natural resources are protected.”
“New Jersey Audubon commends Gov. Murphy for his continued efforts to make our state a leader in responsibly developed offshore wind power. Ensuring New Jersey’s future is powered by properly cited clean energy projects, including offshore wind, is critical in the fight against climate change, which is one of the greatest threats impacting both humans and wildlife.”
- Drew Tompkins, policy manager for New Jersey Audubon
Enacting the nation’s largest offshore wind policy sends a strong signal to the booming global offshore wind industry that New Jersey is serious about becoming a hub offshore wind power at a critical moment. Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland, are all moving forward with major commitments to offshore wind, with bids coming in at prices that make offshore wind cost-competitive with polluting power. Also this week, California committed to 100 percent clean electricity by 2045.
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