The state is accelerating its offshore wind solicitation schedule, expediting the projected opening of the fifth offshore wind solicitation from the third quarter of 2026 to the second quarter of 2025, Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced Tuesday.
By advancing New Jersey’s solicitation schedule, the Murphy administration said it intends to build upon the momentum of the state’s growing offshore wind industry, bringing additional economic benefits and jobs for the Garden State.
The NJBPU also announced that it will pause on moving forward with the Second State Agreement Approach for coordinated offshore wind transmission planning with regional grid operator, PJM Interconnection.
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The decision to pause follows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s release of Order 1920, which addresses long-term regional transmission planning and PJM’s ongoing interconnection queue reform process, each of which impacts planning and costs.
Pausing at this time affords board staff the opportunity to fully evaluate the implications of the new FERC rule and participate in PJM’s process to ensure the best outcome to meet New Jersey’s transmission needs at the least cost to ratepayers.
Murphy explained the decisions.
“Offshore wind development remains a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will result in significant economic and environmental benefits throughout the Garden State,” he said. “At this pivotal inflection point for the industry both in New Jersey and across the nation, it’s critical that we remain committed to delivering on the promise of thousands of family-sustaining, union jobs and cleaner air for generations to come.”
The NJBPU recently announced the opening of the state’s fourth solicitation for 1.2 to 4 gigawatts of offshore wind generation capacity. The application window will remain open until 5 p.m. July 10.
NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said she felt the state’s actions today will pay off tomorrow.
“New Jersey’s economic and environmental future depends on the bold action we take today to secure billions of dollars in economic benefits and a significant reduction in emissions from the electric sector,” she said. “By accelerating New Jersey’s offshore wind development schedule, we underscore our commitment to realizing the industry’s full potential for the benefit of all New Jerseyans.”
