NJBPU announces historic winning bid for offshore wind project off Jersey Shore

Environment New Jersey

TRENTON – During a packed Board of Public Utilities (BPU) meeting this morning at the State House, the board announced the winning bid from offshore wind solicitations. Orsted won with 1,100 MW. The winning bid is the largest ever announced in American history and will power close to 500,000 homes.The company will use Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits (ORECs) granted by the BPU. This process was first announced a year ago by the BPU and pushed forward by Gov. Phil Murphy through an executive order.

Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey and long-time advocate for offshore wind, released the following statement at the conclusion of the board meeting:

“New Jersey just made history. Nationally, this is the largest move forward on offshore wind to date. These turbines will provide the clean energy engine we need to power our state and finally tap the goldmine of offshore wind potential off the Jersey Shore. Offshore wind is one of our best tools to fight climate change, and New Jersey just cemented its place as a national leader.

This has been a long process in New Jersey. But it’s been turbocharged by the leadership of Gov. Phil Murphy and his Board of Public Utilities. We are now moving fast to catch-up following the years of delay during the Christie era. We are thrilled an internationally leading offshore wind company will be spearheading this historic project. The wind is strongly blowing in New Jersey’s favor.”