The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has announced plans to expedite the state's fifth offshore wind solicitation, moving it up by over a year from its previous schedule. Originally slated for the third quarter of 2026, the solicitation will now commence in the second quarter of 2025.
NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy emphasized the state's commitment to maximizing the benefits of offshore wind development for its residents, stating, “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.”
Meanwhile, the ongoing fourth solicitation, which aims to procure between 1.2 and 4 gigawatts of offshore wind power, remains open until July 10th, having commenced in late April.
In related news, New Jersey has opted to delay the proposed Second State Agreement Approach (SAA) for coordinated offshore wind transmission planning with regional grid operator PJM Interconnection (PJM). This decision follows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) implementation of new long-term grid planning measures. NJBPU cited the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the implications of these federal regulations before proceeding with the SAA.
Additionally, Orsted, a major offshore wind developer, has agreed to settle claims with the state by paying $125 million. This settlement arises from Orsted's cancellation of the Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects. According to NJBPU, these funds will be allocated towards supporting investments in qualified wind energy facilities, offshore wind component manufacturing facilities, and other clean energy initiatives aligned with the State's Energy Master Plan.
