The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved an order to open an application window for 1100MW of offshore wind capacity.
Developers will be open to bid projects in federal waters for approval from 20 September.
The round closes on 28 December and the NJBPU “intend to act on the applications” by 1 July next year.
The window will provide “sufficient time for developers to qualify for federal investment tax credits”, which could save New Jersey ratepayers 12% of the total project cost, said Governor Phil Murphy’s office.
NJBPU is to issue a guidance document to help developers calculate economic benefit.
The document will also provide the format to be used for submittal of information required under the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act as well as the evaluation criteria and solicitation schedule.
The allocation, which was passed by a unanimous vote, will be the first step in meeting the US state’s plan for 3.5GW of offshore wind by 2030, according to Murphy.
“In the span of just nine months, New Jersey has vaulted to the front of the pack in establishing this cutting-edge industry,” said Murphy.
“We campaigned on rebuilding New Jersey’s reputation as a clean energy leader and that involves setting an aggressive timetable on offshore wind.
“Thanks to the Board, today we took another enormous step toward realising that goal with the largest single-state solicitation of offshore wind in the country.”
Murphy, who is targeting a 100% clear energy goal by 2050, has called for two separate solicitations of 1.2GW each in 2020 and 2022.
“Today’s action marks an historic step in the implementation of Governor Murphy’s clean energy agenda,” added NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso.
“Offshore wind energy will help drive down our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gases that cause climate change while creating jobs and providing a boost to the economy.
“The opening of the 1,100MW window, coupled with the Governor’s announcement for the deployment schedule for the full 3,500MW solicitation, provides unparalleled certainty and incentive for developers and manufacturers to anchor a supply chain right here in New Jersey that can serve the entire eastern seaboard,” Fiordaliso added.