Offshore Wind in New Jersey

In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regulates renewable energy activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). In New Jersey, Federal waters commence 3 nautical miles offshore our coast, as a result, BOEM has been facilitating lease sales of OCS blocks for the development of offshore wind energy facilities. BOEM has issued 2 commercial wind energy leases on the OCS offshore of New Jersey. For more information on the status of the wind projects offshore visit: https://www.boem.gov/New-Jersey/

WHAT’S NEW?

Governor Phil Murphy Signs Executive Order #8 directing all New Jersey State Agencies with responsibilities under the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act (OWEDA) to fully implement OWEDA in order to meet a goal of obtaining 3,500 MW from offshore wind by the year 2030.

Legislation

In August 2010, the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act (OWEDA) was signed into law. The Act advised the Board of Public Utilities to establish a program for Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (ORECs) to incentivize the development of offshore wind facilities.

January 31st, 2018, Governor Phil Murphy Signed Executive Order #8 which directs all New Jersey State Agencies with responsibilities under the OWEDA to fully implement the act in order to meet a goal of obtaining 3,500 MW from offshore wind by the year 2030.

The Executive Order also set forth provisions to:

• Develop an Offshore Wind Strategic Plan
• Implement OWEDA’s OREC program
• Procure the necessary resources and expertise including an offshore wind economic consultant
• Issue a solicitation for offshore wind projects for the generation of 1,100 MW
• Initiate a rule making process to establish the OREC Funding Mechanism
• Initiate discussion with sister states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region to explore the potential benefits of regional collaboration on offshore wind and other opportunities to combat climate change

Existing commercial wind energy leases offshore of New Jersey, visit BOEM to learn more