Offshore wind turbines farm on the ocean. Photo: Sustainable Energy by NiseriN.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities today announced it has awarded a 2,400-megawatt contract to Leading Light Wind in its highly competitive third offshore wind solicitation. A partnership between two American companies – lead developer Invenergy and co-developer energyRe, the project is now the largest competitively awarded offshore wind project in the U.S. Leading Light Wind will build upon its proven track record and commitment to responsible, clean energy development to help realize a thriving offshore wind industry and supply chain in the Garden State.
Once operational, the project, located over 40 miles off the coast, will supply New Jersey with 2,400 MW of clean energy – enough to power more than 1 million homes. The project is scheduled to begin construction in 2028, with operations in the full lease area estimated to begin in 2032. Leading Light Wind will reduce carbon emissions by 4.1 million tons each year over the full life of the project.
“We thank the Board of Public Utilities and applaud their leadership in staying the course toward New Jersey’s energy transition goals and commend the state for recognizing the importance of prioritizing American offshore wind know-how to lead the clean energy transition. Invenergy, Leading Light Wind’s lead developer, is committed to cultivating American innovation and is optimistic that today’s decision will unlock future opportunities for the next wave of American companies in this important domestic industry,” said Wes Jacobs, Senior Project Director, Offshore Wind Development, Invenergy. “This is an immensely exciting beginning to a long-term partnership between Leading Light Wind and New Jersey. Our team is poised and ready to deliver an environmentally responsible project that advances a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
“Leading Light Wind will chart a clean energy future for New Jersey and lay the foundation for a thriving domestic offshore wind industry,” said Ryan Brown, Chief Operating Officer of energyRe. “Working hand in hand with our partners, we are ready to deliver state-of-the-art clean energy infrastructure, local resiliency, and robust economic development for the Garden State. energyRe is proud to lead American innovation in offshore wind and accelerate a reliable U.S. energy transition that serves current and future generations.”
Leading Light Wind will bring major economic investment to New Jersey, creating an estimated 7,500 jobs and $3.7 billion in anticipated economic development benefits for the state. These benefits include localizing a wind turbine generator (WTG) tower manufacturing facility in New Jersey and performing marshalling activities at the New Jersey Wind Port; the expansion of the EEW American Offshore Structures monopile manufacturing facility; and development of an in-state operations and maintenance port.
In addition, Leading Light Wind has allocated up to $150 million for a comprehensive community benefits program. This program features 25 initial partnerships and opportunities that aim to empower local communities, promote youth education and workforce inclusivity, accelerate the growth of the domestic offshore wind supply chain, and pioneer collaborative environmental research in partnership with academic institutions, other ocean users and more. Key community benefit program initiatives include:
- The Energy Equity Credit: This innovative program will reduce the energy burden for over 200,000 low-income households in New Jersey by reducing their monthly electricity bill increase by 50% to support an equitable transition.
- The Waves to Wind program: A catalytic training program designed to position existing Small, Minority, Woman and Veteran-owned Business Enterprises for success in the offshore wind industry.
- The Fisheries Accelerator Fund: This fund will provide financial assistance to support emerging technology and initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency, sustainability, or economic vitality of the fishing industry.
Leading Light Wind’s Partners Agree:
“The project announced today not only renews New Jersey as a leader in advancing offshore wind, but it is a down payment in the fight to reduce air pollution and climate change. This important offshore wind project will result in improved public health for communities overburdened with air pollution, create good-paying local union jobs, and lead us to energy independence,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “We stand with Governor Murphy, the BPU and our offshore wind partners as they continue to ensure New Jersey is a leader in our nation’s growing offshore wind industry and the good jobs and cleaner air wind energy provides benefit the state. We remain fully committed to building a 21st century economy powered by clean, responsibly developed offshore wind.”
“As New Jersey’s largest research institution with interest in the innovations of the offshore wind industry, Rutgers University looks forward to working closely with the Leading Light team to build their project responsibly via strategic partnerships including support for marine and fisheries research and monitoring tools to better understand the environment and improve how offshore wind projects collect and share data from the ocean,” said Josh Kohut, Professor of Marine and Coastal Sciences and Co-Chair, Rutgers Offshore Wind Energy Collaborative.
“The Leading Light Wind project is an enormous opportunity for the state of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Building Trades looks forward to being a part of it,” said Bill Mullen, President, New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council. “As an organization committed to the advancement of skilled labor and sustainable development, we see this project as a win-win. Leading Light Wind is a prime example of how innovative energy solutions can create significant job opportunities and bolster the economy, aligning perfectly with our vision for a sustainable and prosperous New Jersey.”
“The New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce applauds the BPU for awarding the Leading Light Wind project in today’s offshore wind solicitation announcement, a testament to New Jersey’s leadership in clean energy and economic innovation,” said Michael Egenton, Executive Vice President, New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce. “This project is a beacon of progress that will create thousands of jobs and stimulate our local economy. Leading Light Wind is setting a precedent for how businesses and communities can thrive together in a more sustainable world.”
Read the full announcement on the Leading Light Wind website.
