New Jersey sets 11-GW offshore wind target by 2040

New Jersey has increased its offshore wind ambitions, setting a new goal of reaching 11 GW of offshore wind energy generation by 2040.

The state’s governor, Phil Murphy, on Wednesday signed an executive order that establishes the new goal, raising New Jersey’s previous objective of 7.5 GW by 2035.

In addition, the executive order asks the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to examine the feasibility of further increasing the target.

NJBPU president Joseph L Fiordaliso said that offshore wind is an important part of the state’s clean energy mix as it aims at 100% clean energy by 2050. “The Board has already approved three offshore wind projects in its first two solicitations, totalling more than 3,700 MW and is now preparing for its third solicitation of 1,200 MW in the first quarter of 2023,” Fiordaliso remarked.

Alongside the executive order, New Jersey’s governor unveiled the Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future report with recommendations for green workforce development. The state’s green jobs efforts will be supported by private sector partners, including Unilever, DSM, Hugo Neu, IKEA, Siemens, United and Hackensack Meridian Health, which have signed the Corporate Green Jobs Pledge.

“As we set our sights on even bolder offshore wind targets, we will strive toward the equitable development of a green economy that produces good-paying jobs, wage parity, and long-term career opportunities for future generations,” said Jane Cohen, executive director of the governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy.

The announcements were made at a US Climate Alliance event during Climate Week alongside New York governor Kathy Hochul.

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