Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 01/4/2022 609-900-5626
Alliance to Bring Great Benefit to New Jersey’s Offshore Wind Program
Trenton, NJ—January 4, 2022—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has joined the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium (NOWRDC), a prominent U.S. offshore wind research organization. Established in 2018, NOWRDC is national not-for-profit public-private partnership focused on advancing offshore wind technology in the U.S. through high impact research projects and cost-effective responsible development, while maximizing other economic and social benefits.

 

At its December 15, 2021 Agenda Meeting the Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with NOWRDC establishing the procedures and process by which NOWRDC will use funds contributed by New Jersey.

 

“We are excited to be joining NOWRDC as the representative for the State of New Jersey,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Our participation in this prominent national organization will aid our offshore wind efforts and play a key role in helping us meet Governor Murphy’s goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035.”

 

“New Jersey’s participation in the Consortium brings a key offshore wind voice into our collaborations,” said NOWRDC Executive President Carrie Cullen Hitt. “We look forward to advancing technology that will help New Jersey meets its 7,500 MW goal.”

New Jersey’s membership in NOWRDC allows the state to participate in regional research and monitoring activities as recommended by the New Jersey Offshore Wind Strategic Plan and to further the research into offshore wind activities with a goal of lowering the cost of Offshore Wind.

 

This membership also provides New Jersey a platform to collaborate with other states in coordinating regional monitoring and scientific and technical research at the state and regional levels to address issues related to offshore wind energy project planning, siting, construction, and operation.

 

As the State’s named agency member of NOWRDC, the Board will contribute $1 million over four years to support research initiatives in offshore wind, and coordinate NOWRDC activities with the WIND Institute and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

 

NOWRDC uses a competitive procurement and proposal evaluation process through its Research and Development Committee to identify projects suitable for funding.  New Jersey’s funds will be used for successful proposals that (1) include research activities undertaken in New Jersey by New Jersey-based institutions as part of Consortium-funded projects; or (2) that benefit New Jersey.  In addition, a portion of the New Jersey funds may be offset through in-kind services provided by NJBPU or other New Jersey government entities for research and development activities related to offshore wind as agreed to by NJBPU and the Consortium’s Board.

 

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu 

 

About New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP)

NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

 

About the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium (NOWRDC)

The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, established in 2018, is a not-for-profit public-private partnership focused on advancing offshore wind technology in the United States through high impact research projects and cost-effective and responsible development to maximize economic benefits. Funding for the Consortium comes from the U.S. Department of Energy and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), with each providing $20.5 million, as well as contributions from the Commonwealths of Virginia and Massachusetts and the States of Maryland and Maine, bringing total investment to approximately $47 million. For more information, please visit nationaloffshorewind.org.

 

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