The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and PJM Interconnection (PJM) announced Thursday they had filed for the approval of an Agreement to implement New Jersey’s offshore wind transmission grid solicitation from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

No, that’s not the clarinet and saxophone sections in the band. New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) released an RFP (request for proposals) on January 7 seeking a “qualified entity to conduct a feasibility study for a world-class, flagship offshore wind research and development (R&D) testing facility as part of the Authority’s strategy to accelerate innovation for the offshore wind industry.”

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and PJM Interconnection (PJM) announced Thursday they had filed for the approval of an Agreement to implement New Jersey’s offshore wind transmission grid solicitation from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The builder of New Jersey’s first planned offshore wind farm rejected renewed attacks by some Shore residents who fear that the sight of turbines on the horizon will keep tourists away, damage the coastal economy and erode property values.

Offshore wind in New Jersey is a hot topic these days — and it’s no wonder. New projects are being greenlit and many are concerned, from those that worry our beautiful shorelines may suffer from unsightly turbines to those who worry that if we don’t do something soon, our shorelines will disappear altogether. But which of these concerns hold water?

More than 150 residents, students, and community members attended the free event to explore career and apprenticeship opportunities as a union carpenter, electrician, laborer, operating engineer, plumber and more – roles that will feature prominently in the construction of the New Jersey Wind Port. The purpose-built wind port, a first-of-its-kind asset in the U.S., will manufacture and assemble wind turbines to meet New Jersey’s offshore wind goal of generating 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of electricity by 2035. It will also position the state to serve as the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region’s leading wind supply chain hub.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) announced plans to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the expansion of the GCIT’s welding and painting programs. Through the MOU, the NJEDA will provide up to $75,000 for programs that prepare students and workers for jobs in heavy steel offshore wind component manufacturing. Supported by funding from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), this MOU is aligned with the creation of the Wind Institute which will accelerate offshore wind workforce development and innovation in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced that applications are open for the Offshore Wind Tax Credit Program as updated by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act (ERA) and P.L. 2021, c. 160. With an overall budget of up to $350 million, the program provides tax credits, often up to 40-60% of the qualified capital investments made by a business in a qualified wind energy facility that will be employing at least 150 new, full-time employees.

Offshore wind farms not only produce significant amounts of renewable, carbon-free energy but also create reserves where sea life flourishes.

“There’s not a fisherman out there that doesn’t see the effects of climate change, how bad the storms are and the flooding,” said Eidmen. “There’s a big cost to doing nothing. Anglers overwhelmingly see the potential, the ecosystem benefits. We can peacefully coexist as long as they abide by the principles that we need access, and we need it in writing.”