PSEG, Ørsted submit several joint proposals for offshore wind transmission

Companies are looking to be involved in bringing energy from offshore wind farms to coastline

Public Service Enterprise Group and Ørsted announced Thursday morning that the companies have submitted several joint proposals for offshore wind transmission that would support New Jersey’s ambitious clean energy goals.

Submitted into the PJM State Agreement Approach Proposal Window, the joint proposals are collectively named Coastal Wind Link and are designed to deliver thousands of megawatts of offshore wind energy into New Jersey, drawing from PSEG’s extensive transmission experience and Ørsted’s expertise in offshore wind energy.

In simplest terms, PSEG and Ørsted are partnering on proposals that service one part of the offshore wind supply chain — the lines needed to transmit to bring the power generated from offshore windfarms to the coastline, where it will plug into the utility grid serving the state.

The state currently does not have such transmission lines. It is expected to create a number of transmission possibilities — each of which will not necessarily be tied to a particular wind farm. Down the road, the state may have a number of wind farms and a smaller number of transmission avenues.

The concept of having not having each wind farm directly responsible for transmitting its energy to the coastline is somewhat unusual. The belief by state and Board of Public Utilities officials is that establishing the system — think of it as many roadways to land that different wind farms can use — has the potential to allow the industry to scale more quickly.

PSEG and Ørsted said the Coastal Wind Link proposals will provide reliable, resilient and cost-effective infrastructure to the state as thousands of megawatts of new, clean renewable energy come onto the grid.

The companies said the Coastal Wind Link proposals encompass individual and networked solutions and would ensure that New Jersey has a clear path to connect to the offshore wind energy coming online during the next decade, while minimizing environmental impacts along New Jersey’s coastline. The proposals will utilize existing PSEG infrastructure in New Jersey to expedite development and enhance constructability.

Lathrop Craig, PSEG’s vice president of wind development, said the proposal plays into the company’s mission.

“PSEG has set a net-zero by 2030 climate vision and will continue to support the state in the realization of its clean energy goals,” he said. “Our investments, including those in Coastal Wind Link, will focus on fostering sustainable clean energy infrastructure. The Coastal Wind Link proposals bring together the vast expertise and track record of Ørsted and PSEG — a track record that includes a commitment to leveraging diverse suppliers and supporting the communities where we do business.”

David Hardy, CEO of Ørsted Offshore North America, said he feels the Coastal Wind Link proposal fits the aggressive energy goals of the state.

“We support the state’s ambitions of building a lasting offshore wind industry and clean energy resource for residents for many years to come,” he said. “We’re pleased to submit our Coastal Wind Link proposals, which offer a range of transmission and offshore expertise for policymakers to utilize in achieving this vision.”

The proposals gained support from a number of key labor leaders involved in the sector:

  • William Mullen, president of the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council: “PSEG has served the state for more than a century with expertise in the design, construction and maintenance of large-scale electric transmission systems. PSEG and its union partners are proud of our shared commitment and contributions to New Jersey. New Jersey’s transition to the clean energy economy should be accompanied by opportunities for workers in the skilled trades to ensure quality results for the benefit of the state, its customers and the environment. We look forward to working together with Ørsted and PSEG to grow the state’s clean energy economy.”
  • Joseph Egan, president of the state’s IBEW Construction Locals: “Over the last 10 years, PSEG has invested billions of dollars in transmission infrastructure to help keep PJM’s grid as resilient as possible against the impacts of extreme weather and climate change. We’re eager to work with PSEG and Ørsted to achieve New Jersey’s ambitious offshore wind development plans, which will join nuclear power as our state’s largest sources of clean, carbon-free energy, and also will help create jobs for thousands of skilled workers.”
  • Daniel Cosner, president of the South Jersey Building Trades and business manager of IBEW Local 351: “PSEG is the state’s most experienced and continually proven developer of large-scale transmission projects, and has consistently worked to invest, upgrade and create new transmission networks. As clean energy leaders, PSEG and Ørsted are best positioned to advance the state’s offshore wind generation goals while sustaining the reliability of the system and power grid. On behalf of the IBEW and the South Jersey Construction and Building Trades Council, I look forward to partnering with these clean energy leaders and to leveraging the expertise of our trades and the community presence they have established to advance these important projects.”