The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has granted offshore wind developer Invenergy more time to finalize its power purchase agreement (PPA) for the 2.4GW Leading Light offshore wind farm.
The decision comes after the cancellation of GE Vernova's 18MW Haliade-X turbine and a subsequent price increase from Siemens Gamesa, which left Invenergy without “a workable equipment solution.”
Invenergy had secured an Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate (OREC) in New Jersey's third offshore wind solicitation in January 2024. However, due to the turbine supply issues, the company requested an extension to secure a new supplier.
While the state's ratepayer watchdog expressed concerns about post-award changes to developer bids, the state's rate counsel did not oppose the extension.
The NJBPU unanimously approved Invenergy's request, setting a new deadline of 20 December 2024. NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy stated, “We are committed in New Jersey to our offshore wind goals. I think this action will allow Invenergy to find a suitable wind turbine supplier. We look forward to them delivering on the project.”
Commissioner Zenon Christodoulou added, “I'm fully confident that they will be able to work through these little hurdles and make sure that an industry that has taken over in many places in the world will apply here in New Jersey as well.”
