The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved a request from offshore wind developer Invenergy for an extension of time before finalising its power purchase agreement with the state for the 2.4GW Leading Light offshore wind farm.
After securing an Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate (OREC) in January 2024 in New Jersey’s third solicitation, Invenergy had asked for more time to secure a turbine supplier following the cancellation of the GE Vernova 18MW Haliade-X turbine.
Invenergy also cited a price increase from Siemens Gamesa that left Leading Light without “a workable equipment solution”.
While the New Jersey’s ratepayer watchdog had raised concerns over the practice of post-award changes to developer bids, the state’s rate counsel did not specifically oppose Invenergy’s request for a delay.
The NJBPU unanimously approved the extension request to 20 December, 2024.
“We are committed in New Jersey to our offshore wind goals,” NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said before voting to approve the request.
“I think this action will allow Invenergy to find a suitable wind turbine supplier. We look forward to them delivering on the project”.
Commissioner Zenon Christodoulou said that he is “fully confident that they will be able to work through these little hurdles and make sure that an industry that has taken over in many places in the world will apply here in New Jersey as well”.
Leading Light Project Director and VP of Invenergy’s Offshore Wind Development Wes Jacobs thanked the NJBPU in a statement and said the move “enables continued discussions with the BPU and supply chain partners regarding the industry-wide market shifts outlined in the Motion”.