New Jersey ups offshore wind ambitions to 7.5 GW by 2035

New Jersey on Tuesday signed an executive order that more than doubles the state’s current goal for offshore wind deployments to 7.5 GW by 2035.

The previous target called for the state to have 3.5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Expanding that goal supports the state in its efforts to source 100% of its power from renewables by 2050, with an interim goal of 50% by 2030.

“There is no other renewable energy resource that provides us with either the electric-generation or economic-growth potential of offshore wind,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

When the 7.5 GW of offshore wind parks become operational, they will produce clean power for more than 3.2 million New Jersey homes, covering half of the state’s power demand. This capacity, according to First Lady Tammy Murphy, will make the state more resilient against the effects of climate change and have a positive effect on the environment.

In June, New Jersey selected Denmark’s Ørsted A/S (CPH:ORSTED) for its first offshore wind project -- a 1.1-GW scheme off Atlantic City, planned to be completed in 2024. The state’s Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has plans to launch additional solicitations for offshore wind in 2020 and 2022.

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