New Jersey is taking another step forward in its commitment to renewable energy with the launch of its second State Agreement Approach (SAA). The SAA will play a critical role in bringing power from offshore wind projects to the state's grid. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has asked the state's grid operator to include the state's offshore wind target in its Regional Transmission Expansion Planning (RTEP) using the SAA.
The first SAA helped to identify and award projects to help transmit power from offshore wind projects in New Jersey, and selected the Larrabee Tri-Collector Solution to bring 7.5GW of power into the grid. Now, the NJBPU is turning to SAA 2.0 to solicit proposals for an additional 3.5GW of power needed to reach the state's new wind goal of installing 11GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040.
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The Deans 500kV substation has been identified as the location for this new project, due to its proximity to high electric load centres, accessible lease areas likely to service New Jersey, and available capability to accommodate the desired injection. To facilitate the project, the board directed staff to prepare an SAA 2.0 Solicitation Guidance Document (SAA 2.0 SGD), which will include details regarding the solicitation components and the proposal evaluation process. The NJBPU will issue a draft SAA 2.0 SGD for public comment to inform the development of the final SAA 2.0 solicitation.
“Today's action is extremely important for the future of our offshore wind programme,” said NJBPU president Joseph Fiordaliso. “As we look to achieve Governor Murphy's new, increased goal of 11GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040, we must create additional pathways for wind energy to be brought on shore and into the PJM grid.”
PJM Interconnection, the grid operator, is also fully supportive of the new project. PJM President and CEO, Manu Asthana, commented: “New Jersey has been a pioneer in developing the infrastructure needed to achieve its ambitious offshore wind policies. NJBPU recognised early on the value of PJM's independent, competitive and proven transmission planning process, and we look forward to continuing to help New Jersey achieve its offshore goals as reliably and cost-effectively as possible.”
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As New Jersey continues to expand its offshore wind capacity, the SAA 2.0 project represents a critical milestone in achieving the state's renewable energy goals. By tapping into the expertise of the grid operator and soliciting proposals from experts in the field, New Jersey is laying the foundation for a sustainable and cost-effective energy future.
