New Jersey governor Chris Christie’s administration has released an updated Energy Master Plan that rolls back support for offshore wind.
“While the future may bring change, offshore wind in the US is not economically viable at this time,” said the report, released by the Board of Public Utilities and the Department of Environmental Protection.
The energy plan aims to drive down costs for customers, promote a diverse portfolio of clean generation and reach 22.5% renewable energy by 2021, among other goals.
Christie signed an offshore wind bill in 2010 targeting 1100MW by 2020 but has since downplayed support.
The previous 2011 Energy Master Plan required the government to examine the viability of an offshore renewable energy certificate program to subsidize development. New Jersey passed a law that requires utilities to purchase electricity from offshore wind farms, however the BPU has yet to develop an OREC scheme.
The act “is also intended to prevent New Jersey’s businesses and residential ratepayers from being exposed to unreasonable risks,” according to the update. “Generating energy through offshore wind carries significant drawbacks.”
RES America Developments and US Wind this month won offshore wind leases off New Jersey in a 3.4GW auction. RES claimed the 160,480-acre south lease area with a $880,715 winning bid and US Wind agreed to pay $1,006,240 for the 183,353-acre north lease area.
The BPU will accept public comments on the draft report through 4 Dec 2015.
Image: (ReNews)
New Jersey cuts offshore support
Governor Chris Christie says it's 'not economically viable at this time'
By EBS