On the sixth anniversary of Gov. Chris Christie’s signing the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act, the Business Network for Offshore Wind, a leader in building the U.S. offshore-wind supply chain, announced the opening of its Woodbridge, New Jersey, office.
“By expanding to New Jersey, which has the potential to provide more than 4 GW of offshore wind power, the Network can continue building a U.S. offshore wind-supply chain, generate additional job opportunities for members and strengthen the emerging U.S. offshore wind industry,” said Executive Director Liz Burdock.
“New Jersey has a world-class wind resource far off the shore that can deliver clean, reliable power right where we need it, and the most potential for Atlantic states with current BOEM offshore wind leases,” said Doug O’Malley with Environment New Jersey.
Four months after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced New Jersey’s 344,000 acres of two wind-energy areas, RES Americas, Inc. and U.S. Wind Inc. bid nearly $2 million in November for the offshore leases. Now, after a transfer of the lease this spring, Dong Energy, the world’s largest owner of offshore wind, announced plans to construct Ocean Wind, a 1,000-MW wind farm 10 miles off Atlantic City. Additionally, Fishermen’s Energy again won a competitive Department of Energy grant as it moves closer to construction of six turbines off Atlantic City as a ready-made demonstration project.
“Ecology & Environment is a strong supporter of offshore wind development in the United States and is excited that the Business Network is expanding its capable reach into New Jersey,” said Kris Ohleth with Ecology & Environment. “We have seen the positive influence the Network has had in Maryland and look forward to their support in New Jersey. We look forward to working with them to cultivate our state’s supply chain and offshore wind development.”
Matthew Greller, who was involved in passing the New Jersey Offshore Wind Economic Development Act in 2010, will be the New Jersey director of the Business Network for Offshore Wind. Greller also serves as Of Counsel with Cleantech Law Partners, a boutique law firm specializing in the renewable energy field. Ross Tyler, formally director of Clean Energy for the Maryland Energy Administration, will continue to lead the Maryland Network Office.
The Business Network for Offshore Wind is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating jobs, strengthening the economy, and improving quality of life through offshore wind. The Network is focused on delivering education, creating partnerships, and advancing the industry. All proceeds are used to support the industry by helping the Network continue education, develop tools, and networks necessary to create a U.S. offshore-wind supply chain.
Source: Business Network for Offshore Wind
For more information, go to www.bizmdosw.org
