Developers Orsted and Atlantic Shores have confirmed separate bids in the ongoing 2300MW New Jersey offshore wind shoot-out.
New Jersey is to award between 1.2GW and 2.4GW of offshore wind as part of its second solicitation.
Orsted has filed paperwork for the Ocean Wind 2 project in the same area as its existing 1.1GW phase one some 15 miles of the state’s coast.
The new development will, if chosen, bring “significant investments” into New Jersey’s offshore wind manufacturing capabilities to “help unlock the state’s potential in serving as a manufacturing hub for the American offshore wind industry”, the Danish developer said.
These will include “comprehensive proposals” for the New Jersey Wind Port including helping to attract suppliers to make use of the facility for Ocean Wind 2 and beyond.
Orsted also said the project will drive “innovative research, grants and workforce training programs that will incorporate environmental justice initiatives to assist the state’s overburdened communities”.
“Orsted is the world leader in offshore wind and is already partnering with the state of New Jersey to meet its renewable energy goals,” said US Orsted offshore boss David Hardy.
“As New Jersey looks to rebuild its economy in the wake of COVID-19 and positions itself as a leader in the new American offshore wind industry, Orsted is uniquely positioned to help the state achieve its goals.”
Atlantic Shores, a joint venture between EDF and Shell, meanwhile estimates its first project would be completed as early as 2027.
If the Atlantic Shores bid is selected, the developer intends to utilise the state’s New Jersey Wind Port for staging and marshalling as the port is built over the next several years.
The developer also plans to execute investments during construction and operations phases to create hundreds of well-paid jobs for New Jersey residents and further expand New Jersey’s supply chain offerings.
Atlantic Shores has also put forth an innovation plan extending beyond offshore wind, that will help New Jersey meets its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 as outlined in its 2019 Energy Master Plan.
The JV will leverage the technical capabilities of its parent companies and collaborate with academic partners and companies in New Jersey to explore commercial pathways for battery storage.
Atlantic Shores has also committed to support the development of a 5MW to 10MW green hydrogen pilot project to improve the understanding and expertise on how green hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of large industrial sectors.
The developer said it has rolled out several partnerships as part of its bid to further offshore wind workforce development and education in New Jersey, to help prepare local workers for the hundreds of future jobs its project will create if selected.
Atlantic Shores development director Jennifer Daniels said: “As the holder of one of the largest offshore wind leases in the US, Atlantic Shores has an incredible opportunity to help meet New Jersey’s demand for clean, affordable energy within our 180,000 acres.
“Our project, backed by the technical, operational, and development expertise of our team and the financial backing of global energy parent companies, is well positioned to serve New Jersey ratepayers best.
“Offshore wind can propel a dynamic and fast-growing new economy on the East Coast, and we are committed to helping build it first in New Jersey.
“We are confident that if the project is selected, Atlantic Shores will help New Jersey to deliver on its vision of a clean energy future.”