Biz Network for OSW Welcomes NJ News, Calls for Maine Aqua Ventus Support

The Business Network for Offshore Wind, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the development of the U.S. offshore wind industry and advancement of its supply chain, has welcomed New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order that directs the state to ramp up on its path the goal of generating 3.5GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. The organisation has also called for support of the Maine Aqua Ventus project with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. 

Liz Burdock, Executive Director, Business Network for Offshore Wind, said: “With the OREC financing already signed in to law, today’s announcement is a clear message to the supply chain that the state is committed to offshore wind and will provide stable and consistent policy required to establish offshore wind operations and attract investments. This is a win for New Jersey, this important industry, and anyone who cares about our environment.”

Murphy’s order brings the United States offshore wind pipeline to more than 5GW of clean energy, which will help the supply chain, according to Burdock, who also pointed out that the purchase of offshore wind power by utilities is essential and that Offshore Renewable Energy Credits (ORECs) are the same financing mechanism that was used by Maryland to procure 368MW of offshore wind in May 2017.

The Business Network for Offshore Wind has also called for the public to support the Maine Aqua Ventus project with the Maine PUC, which is reviewing the project’s proposed power purchase agreement and has opened a public comment period prior to making their determination. Maine PUC is receiving public comments by 14 February.

To remind, on 9 January, the Maine Public Utilities Commission decided to postpone making a final decision on the power contract between Maine Aqua Ventus and Central Maine Power Company, saying that more public comment is required as the energy market has changed since the initial terms were approved in 2014.