New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has signed an executive order raising the US state’s offshore wind goal to 7500MW by 2035 from 3500MW by 2030 previously.
Murphy said that more than doubling offshore wind output would result in “more investment” and “more jobs” for New Jersey.
He added: “When we meet this goal, our offshore winds will generate enough electricity to power more than 3.2 million New Jersey homes.
“We will meet half of our electric power need. We will generate billions of dollars in investments in our state’s future that will, in turn, generate thousands of union jobs.
“No other renewable energy resource provides us either the electric-generation or economic-growth potential of offshore wind.
“These are big goals, and tough challenges. But we can achieve them. We are up to them.”
Business Network for Offshore Wind president and chief executive Liz Burdock said said that doubling of New Jersey’s offshore wind target to 7.5GW by 2035 will further encourage investment in US businesses for the manufacturing of components, and continue to lower electricity costs for businesses and ratepayers.
She said: “Currently, East Coast states have contracted a combined 8240MW of offshore wind electricity generation.
“These projects are currently under development, and will have ‘steel in the water’ by 2026.
“There is no doubt that the US offshore wind industry is moving forward because of strong state leadership and commitment.
“Today’s new, expanded goal of 7500MW by 2035 demonstrates Governor Murphy’s lasting commitment to offshore wind, and will significantly advance New Jersey towards its goal of 100% clean energy by 2050.
“We welcome that challenge and responsibility. Now it’s up to the developers, manufacturers, regulators, suppliers and skilled labor force to make it happen.”