NJEDA and NJBPU Release RFI Seeking Information on New Jersey’s Cleantech Ecosystem

TRENTON, N.J. (January 24, 2020) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), in partnership with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ (NJCEP), recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from entities and individuals with perspectives on the scope and characteristics of New Jersey’s existing cleantech ecosystem and programs, as well as potential new initiatives that could strengthen the state’s position as a leader in cleantech innovation.

Respondents must submit their feedback to the RFI via email to rfioetce@njeda.com by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 7, 2020. More information, including the complete RFI, is available here: https://www.njeda.gov/bidding-opportunities-general/economic-transformation-rfis.

“Cleantech is one of the eight high-wage, high-growth sectors identified in Governor Murphy’s plan for a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy. Expanding our cleantech ecosystem is critical to stimulating equitable, sustainable growth that benefits all New Jerseyans,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “To this end, the NJEDA and NJBPU are developing a portfolio of initiatives and programs that will strengthen and support cleantech innovation. This RFI will help us craft programs that respond to the most pressing challenges this industry faces and open doors to continued growth.” 

“There has been a veritable renaissance of clean energy activity taking place in New Jersey since Governor Murphy took office, including deploying clean energy resources and solutions to nurture a cleantech ecosystem and attract supply chain activities and jobs,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “The insights we’ll gain through this RFI will help us continue to demonstrate how New Jersey is an environmental and clean energy leader and will allow us to develop an even stronger portfolio of programs to support and inspire growth in the cleantech sector.”

Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has taken bold strides to transition to a cleaner future, including establishing goals of 100 percent clean energy and 80 percent lower emissions relative to 2006 levels by 2050, a 2.5 percent or greater annual reduction in electricity use, and deployment of 2 GW of energy storage capacity by 2030. The State has also launched a series of initiatives to support these goals, including rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), developing an Energy Master Plan (EMP), and supporting the roll-out of 330,000 zero-emission vehicles by 2025 through the “Partnership to Plug-In.”

The RFI seeks stakeholder input on four key subject areas related to New Jersey’s cleantech ecosystem:

1. Current cleantech activities in the state,
2. Assets and stakeholders within New Jersey’s cleantech ecosystem,
3. Challenges facing New Jersey’s cleantech ecosystem and stakeholders, and
4. Ideas for how to strengthen and grow the state’s cleantech ecosystem.

The NJEDA and NJBPU invite responses from all stakeholders in the cleantech innovation ecosystem in New Jersey and beyond, including early stage companies, investors, corporate institutions, colleges and universities engaged in cleantech R&D, incubators, accelerators, and local government leaders.

Respondents should email their questions about the RFI to rfioetce@njeda.com by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 24, 2020. The NJEDA will post answers to these questions publicly on the NJEDA’s website on or about January 29, 2020. Final RFI responses will be due via email to rfioetce@njeda.com no later than 11:59 PM p.m. EST on February 7, 2020. More information is available at https://www.njeda.gov/bidding-opportunities-general/economic-transformation-rfis.
 
Important Dates for Cleantech Innovation RFI

 
To read Governor Murphy's full economic plan, please visit: https://nj.gov/economicplan
 
About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents.
To find out more about NJBPU, visit our web site at www.nj.gov/bpu.
 
About the New Jersey Clean Energy Program™ (NJCEP)
The NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses, and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.