TRENTON, N.J. (January 29, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is extending the deadline of its Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the planned New Jersey Green Fund (NJGF) indefinitely, until a formal application is launched. Through the RFEI, the NJEDA seeks proposals for NJGF support that provide a high-level overview of potential sites, projects, or assets and financing needs.

WHAT:            The planned NJGF will make clean energy investments to help facilitate an equitable energy transition in the State. Planned NJGF investments, which may include equity investments, credit enhancements, loans and/or other financial vehicles, will be aimed to attract private capital to enable New Jersey to reach its energy goals and advance environmental justice in the State. RFEI responses will be used to support the design of financial products and structures for the NJGF. 

Responses to the RFEI must be sent via email to NJGFrfei@njeda.gov with the subject line NJGF RFEI Response – [Primary Applicant Name]. Please note that an RFEI response is not a formal application for funding nor a binding intent to pursue investment opportunities that may be made available through the NJGF in the future.

WHO:              Potential Respondents to the RFEI may include but are not limited to: 

  • Property owners 
  • Real estate developers 
  • Renewable energy developers & operators  
  • Financial institutions  
  • Corporations 
  • Non-profit organizations 
  • Venture and private equity groups
  • Community-based organizations, including those representing Environmental Justice Communities  
  • Other private entities 

The NJEDA asks that Respondents submit proposals that at a minimum (1) summarize the Respondent’s organizational profile (e.g., background, history, and clean energy involvement), (2) provide brief descriptions of the potential site, project, or asset, (3) specify general capital requirements and desired form of financial support, and (4) discuss barriers to obtain capital.

About the NJEDA and the NJGF

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, which include several programs that finance clean energy investments. Building on NJEDA’s track record of supporting the growth of clean energy technologies, Governor Murphy and the State legislature allocated capital in the FYE ‘24 Budget to the New Jersey Green Fund (NJGF), which is currently being organized within NJEDA to invest in clean energy projects in the State.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

Authority Can Now Offer Benefits of Low-Cost Federal Funding for Clean Energy Projects

TRENTON, N.J. (January 5, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it is an eligible State Energy Financing Institution (“SEFI”), a determination by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (“LPO”) which will enable the Authority to unlock low-cost capital available through LPO’s Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program. The LPO provides direct loan financing and loan guarantees for up to 80 percent of eligible project costs for projects aligning with federal energy priorities.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allows for eligible clean energy projects supported by SEFIs, including those using commercially available technologies like wind and solar, to access LPO financing, subject to LPO’s evaluation of the proposed project. This new determination, bolstered with additional loan authority for Title 17 from the Inflation Reduction Act, opens up billions of federal dollars to projects supported by entities like the NJEDA that qualify as SEFIs.

“As a designated SEFI, the NJEDA now has an additional tool for advancing clean energy projects that will contribute toward a cleaner and healthier environment for New Jerseyans,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “It will also help to advance Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2035 – the most ambitious goal of any state in the nation.”

As an eligible SEFI, the NJEDA can support the work of the New Jersey Green Fund (“NJGF”), a planned initiative that will be housed within the NJEDA to invest in clean energy projects in the State. Recently, the NJEDA released a Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) for parties seeking capital from the NJEDA through the NJGF, which can be accessed here: https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#RFEI.

“Governor Murphy’s climate action leadership has laid the foundation for a strong and growing green economy,” said Kate Klinger, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “NJEDA’s designation as a SEFI will streamline access to federal dollars to invest in green job growth, seed green technology innovation, and expand access to clean energy produced right here in New Jersey.”

“Access to LPO capital is yet another way the NJEDA can help developers, property owners, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders move their clean energy projects forward,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “Paired with the NJEDA’s planned NJGF, we are poised to support small- and large-scale projects that will add to our clean energy momentum.”

A SEFI is an entity established by a state, Indian Tribal entity, or Alaska Native Corporation to provide financing support or credit enhancements for eligible clean energy projects and to take steps to reduce financial barriers to the deployment of eligible clean energy projects.

Examples of qualifying project participation by a SEFI may include, but are not limited to:  

  • Providing equity/subordinate portion of capital stack   
  • Providing loan loss reserve with respect to junior portion of capital stack ​  
  • Co-lending with LPO
  • Providing financial backstop for specific key project elements that may be subject to regulatory or local market risk​.  

Additional SEFI program details and application requirements are described in the Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program Guide and on the Title 17 Overview web page.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.
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TRENTON, N.J. (December 1, 2023) –The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has issued a Request for Expressions of interest (“RFEI”) to identify specific sites, projects, or assets that are interested in financial support from its planned New Jersey Green Fund (“NJGF”). The RFEI can be found here, with responses due by January 12, 2024.

WHAT: The planned NJGF aims to facilitate an equitable clean energy transition in New Jersey by attracting private capital to enable the State to meet its ambitious clean energy goals while also providing measurable benefits to its Overburdened Communities. The NJGF may offer financial products and support to stimulate larger private capital investments for, and deployment at scale of, clean energy technologies within New Jersey. This RFEI will help the NJGF identify parties interested in accessing at least $5 million capital from NJGF for projects primarily located in the State. Projects and assets may fall within the priority categories of clean energy generation and storage, zero-emission transportation, building decarbonization and resiliency, or any other topic related to achieving the State’s clean energy goals. 

WHEN: Responses to the RFEI must be submitted via email to NJGFrfei@njeda.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on January 12, 2024. Questions regarding the RFEI process or content may be submitted via email no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on December 15, 2023.

WHO: Potential Respondents to the RFEI may include but are not limited to: 

  • Property owners 
  • Real estate developers 
  • Renewable energy developers & operators  
  • Financial institutions  
  • Corporations 
  • Non-profit organizations 
  • Venture and private equity groups
  • Community-based organizations, including those representing Environmental Justice Communities  
  • Other private entities 

Respondents can submit multiple proposals to the RFEI, or include reference to multiple projects in one comprehensive proposal. Please note, providing a response to this RFEI is not a formal application for funding nor a binding intent to pursue investment opportunities that may be made available through the NJGF in the future. Future opportunities will be made available for Respondents and other members of the public to apply for NJGF funding regardless of whether they respond to the RFEI.

About the NJEDA and the NJGF

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, which include several programs that finance clean energy investments. Building on NJEDA’s track record of supporting the growth of clean energy technologies, Governor Murphy and the State legislature allocated capital in the FYE ‘24 Budget to the New Jersey Green Fund (NJGF), which is currently being organized within NJEDA to invest in clean energy projects in the State.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

Agreement will enable the Authority to provide nearly $400K to NJIT’s POWERCERTS Program

TRENTON, N.J. (September 12, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to provide $399,000 in funding to the Professional Offshore Wind Energy Certificates (POWERCERTS) Program. The funding approved in the MOU will establish two graduate certificates in Wind Power System Operation and Maintenance and Wind Power Economics and Management, bolstering offshore wind workforce training opportunities for college students.   

“As offshore wind developments advance along the East Coast, we must guarantee that our workforce is equipped to meet the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s MOU with NJIT reflects the NJEDA’s commitment to providing high-quality workforce development programs in offshore wind that ensure opportunities for minority and underserved communities. This partnership helps move us closer to Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of creating 11 GW of offshore wind by 2040.”

NJIT’s POWERCERTS Program will address demands for offshore wind training in New Jersey, collaborating closely with the wind industry and the College’s science and engineering departments to offer a robust curriculum. The two graduate certificates established as part of the program will consist of 12 credits, including three core classes and one elective class. Using funding from today’s MOU, POWERCERTS will offer 24 $3,000 scholarships and 24 $4,000 assistantships primarily for students from minority and underrepresented communities to encourage and support their participation in offshore wind workforce training.   

“We are very excited to be working with the NJEDA to establish the NJIT POWERCERTS graduate-certificates program, which will prepare workers to excel in the rapidly growing offshore wind clean energy sector,” said NJIT President Teik C. Lim. “NJIT makes innovations happen, including in the area of environmental sustainability, and this effort will bolster New Jersey’s strength in the clean energy economy.”

To support offshore wind in New Jersey, the NJEDA is developing the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training to accelerate the development of a robust and diverse offshore wind workforce and champion research and innovation to unlock market potential. Today’s MOU is part of a comprehensive strategy to develop several training programs to bolster New Jersey’s offshore wind workforce for thousands of good-paying offshore wind employment opportunities.

“Effective workforce training programs are necessary to prepare future job seekers with the skills they need to thrive in the offshore wind sector,” said NJEDA’s Vice President for Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “NJIT’s POWERCERTS program will prepare graduates for good-paying job opportunities in offshore wind engineering and management, helping keep the state at the forefront of offshore wind energy development.”

The funding provided in today’s MOU is allocated from the NJEDA’s previous MOU with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). Approved in October 2022, the $10 million MOU dedicates funds to support the continued development and execution of offshore wind workforce, education, research, and innovation programs.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Update August 21: Feedback on all C-PACE-related documents released by the NJEDA this year will be accepted through August 25, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program will support clean energy projects, invest in green economy

TRENTON, N.J. (August 14, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has released draft supplemental uniform assessment documents for the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program for public review and feedback.

The documents released today complement the draft program guidelines released by the Authority earlier this year. The NJEDA appreciates the market input and feedback received to date from the industry on the program guidelines. Such input is important and valuable in shaping the Garden State C-PACE program. The documents posted are in advance of any updates that will result from the feedback received on the program guidelines. NJEDA will be making updates simultaneously to the guidelines and feedback received from this posting of the C-PACE documents. 

WHAT: The C-PACE Program will provide a new form of financing to New Jersey property owners for renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and certain types of resiliency-related improvements. The program will enable eligible commercial, industrial, agricultural, and certain multi-family residential real property owners to access financing to undertake these kinds of improvements on their properties and repay the financing through the payment of an additional assessment to their municipality, similar to a property tax, sewer, or water bill.

As part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to address climate change, in August 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring the NJEDA to establish the C-PACE program to facilitate the financing of eligible projects in municipalities that adopt an opt-in ordinance.

WHERE: Draft uniform assessment documents are available here on the right side of the webpage. Feedback can be submitted to Gardenstatecpace@njeda.gov.

WHEN: Feedback on all C-PACE-related documents released by the NJEDA this year will be accepted through August 21, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Agreement will lead to 200 new high-skilled jobs, over $25 million in expected revenue for state

TRENTON, N.J. (July 28, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board on Wednesday approved the Authority entering into development and sublease agreements with Ørsted Wind Power North America, LLC (Ørsted) for the sublease of up to 34 acres of property at the New Jersey Wind Port (NJWP). Ørsted will be the NJWP’s inaugural tenant and expects to create up to 200 jobs over its lease term. Orsted’s Ocean Wind 1 project is expected to create over 15,000 jobs over its 25-year operational life.

“The Board’s approval serves as another major step forward in achieving Governor Murphy’s 11 GW offshore wind target, and cements New Jersey’s reputation as a national leader in offshore wind,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Ørsted’s decision to marshal its Ocean Wind 1 project from the New Jersey Wind Port will create 200 jobs that would otherwise have gone to other states, and is the first of many projects that will use the Port in the years and decades ahead that will create jobs for our children, further our clean energy goals, and ensure a more resilient environment and economy. I appreciate the men and women in organized labor who have invested over 250,000 hours thus far in the construction of the Wind Port and look forward to our continued partnership as we work towards its completion.”

“We are pleased to help the state achieve its clean energy goals and are proud to be the New Jersey Wind Port’s inaugural tenant, creating clean energy jobs and economic development opportunities,” said Maddy Urbish, Head of Government Affairs and Market Strategy, NJ, Ørsted. “With onshore construction beginning this fall and offshore construction starting next year, Ocean Wind 1 looks forward to providing reliable offshore wind energy to New Jersey and the region when complete.”

“There are immense economic, workforce development, and clean energy benefits anticipated to come with offshore wind development,” said State Senator Bob Smith (D-Middlesex). “Every step forward we make validates the hard work that the Legislature and the Murphy Administration have undertaken to make the State an attractive partner for offshore wind developers.”

“I look forward to this project continuing to advance and become the much-needed economic stimulus for South Jersey,” said Dan Cosner, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Electrical Workers Local Union 351.  “This will be a catalyst for the men and women of the South Jersey building trades, which in turn will help grow the local economy with the union wages that are being paid. I am very grateful for all those who made this a reality and continue to make sure this worthwhile project stays on track.”

Ørsted will sublease up to 34 acres of property at the Port for up to two years. Assuming a 24-month sublease term, total rent paid by Ørsted is estimated at over $25 million, representing a strong financial result for New Jersey taxpayers.

Importantly, the agreement with Ørsted includes a mechanism for shared berth use, preserving the NJWP’s ability to attract manufacturing tenants who require access to purpose-built wharves to ship out completed components.

The NJWP, once complete, will be the first and largest facility of its kind in the U.S. With a shortfall in fit-for-purpose port capacity in the U.S, the NJWP is expected to support offshore wind projects up and down the U.S East Coast including serving as a regional hub for turbine component manufacturing. At over 220 acres, the port can accommodate multiple Tier 1 component manufacturers, such as blades, nacelles, towers, and cables.

The NJEDA first issued a Notice to sublease in November 2020 and Ørsted submitted a non-binding offer in December of that year. The two parties executed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in April 2022 and have since been negotiating final terms. The property being subleased to Orsted is owned by PSEG Nuclear and is being leased by NJEDA from PSEG Nuclear on a 78-year basis.

Earlier this month, Governor Murphy signed legislation allowing Ørsted to access federal tax credits that will enable them to complete Ocean Wind 1, the first of two energy projects the developer plans in New Jersey.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (July 12, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is creating a publicly available database of providers that may be able to offer a variety of technical assistance and financial support to help applicants and participants purchasing commercial electric vehicles through the New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP). The NJEDA encourages technical assistance providers – such as consulting firms – and financial institutions wishing to provide assistance to complete an intake form here.

WHAT:  The NJ ZIP pilot program is a first-come, first-served voucher program designed to incentivize the adoption of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by New Jersey businesses and institutions, especially those operating within overburdened communities. To date, the NJEDA has approved nearly $40 million in vouchers to over 225 entities, of which over 90 percent are small businesses.

The NJEDA, in partnership with Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey, will offer to share the list of interested technical assistance providers and financial institutions, and their services, to current and potential NJ ZIP participants seeking help with a variety of aspects of electric vehicle purchasing and ownership.

The services provided by the technical assistance providers and financial institutions will be supplemental to those provided by Rutgers University via an agreement entered into earlier this year between the university and the NJEDA. Under the agreement, current and potential NJ ZIP applicants can each receive up to approximately 10 hours of free technical assistance. After that, interested parties can opt to use providers on this list to receive further assistance at their own expense.

Technical assistance services may include, but are not limited to, understanding electric vehicle types, operation and maintenance characteristics, charging/refueling requirements, and performance characteristics. Financial institutions would serve as a potential source of funding for businesses and organizations as they look to purchase electric vehicles. Engagement with this database is purely voluntary.

All interested respondents will negotiate all financing terms and service fees directly with the NJ ZIP awardees or applicants and engage and enter into any agreement at their own risk. Inclusion in this list in no way serves as an endorsement or approval of any kind by the NJEDA. 

In line with the Murphy Administration’s transportation decarbonization priorities, NJ ZIP aims to expedite the adoption and use of clean-energy vehicles for business owners to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the state’s clean energy economy.

WHERE: Interested entities should visit https://www.njeda.gov/nj-zip-technical-assistance-and-financing-business-form/ to submit their information. Please direct any questions to the NJ ZIP help desk through Rutgers University via email at njzip-help@ejb.rutgers.edu or by phone at 732-790-0663.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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14 NJ Clean Tech Startups Poised to Receive Funding to Test & Validate Their Technologies

TRENTON, N.J. (July 11, 2023) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) has awarded over $3.6 million to 14 New Jersey startups through its Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program. The competitive program supports clean technology businesses that have existing prototypes of their technologies and are ready to validate them in a real-world setting.

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program provides grants of up to $250,000 to help startups develop their technologies focused on creating a cleaner and greener future for New Jersey. Funding received through the program can be used for testing and validating technological performance at demonstration and/or customer sites.

Funding for the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program is being provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). The program both helps to meet plans laid out in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan (EMP) and plants roots for new clean energy innovation in New Jersey. The EMP offers a strategic vision for the production, distribution, consumption, and conservation of energy in the State of New Jersey.

The following startups were awarded funding through the program:

In keeping with CSIT’s mission to support the state’s smallest companies, each of the awardees had fewer than 25 employees at the time of application, with all but three having fewer than 10 employees.

“Fostering opportunities for startups to succeed and impact the marketplace has been our top priority from Day 1,” said CSIT Executive Officer Judith Sheft. “Through the awards announced today, we are getting funding into the hands of entrepreneurs and innovators to further their important work in the clean technology space. We are pleased to collaborate with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the NJBPU on this initiative to help get clean technology in New Jersey to the next step.”

“The clean energy transition is inevitable, and especially in New Jersey, it is exciting to see the continued momentum for clean energy technologies and companies that in turn will grow the industry while helping create a greener future in the Garden State,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “In addition to providing critically necessary funding to startups as they advance their technologies, the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program will also help progress Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035.”

Innovation spurring from awardees announced today include a power source that doesn’t require connection to the grid, an indoor farm that uses 80 to 90 percent less water than traditional farming, and next-generation, low-cost and high-performance lithium ion (Li-ion) battery materials and energy storage systems, among many others.

“The broad array of technologies being created by our grantees showcases New Jersey’s growing role as a leader in innovation,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “We knew that there was a significant need for this funding by startups statewide, given the vast number of our portfolio companies that have some form of prototype. We are pleased to support more than a dozen startups through this program.”

“As we plan for a clean energy future it is vitally important we provide support for startups that can create the technologies to help make the goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2035 a reality,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Further, connecting clean tech startups with funding needed to validate their technologies is an important step toward creating the green economy that Governor Murphy champions. We look forward to hearing about grantees’ successful testing and validation in the future.”

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program is the latest in a series of resources available to New Jersey startups growing within the state’s green economy. This program complements other CSIT clean tech-focused programs including the Clean Technology Seed Grant and Clean Tech Research & Development Voucher Programs. The NJEDA also offers funding to support companies as they advance through their lifecycle, including the New Jersey Clean Energy Loans program and the New Jersey Zero-emission Incentive Program.

About CSIT

In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the State as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn

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Center Will Help Accelerate Innovation, Research and Development, and Entrepreneurship in NJ’s Offshore Wind Industry

TRENTON, N.J. (June 23, 2023) – Today, June 23, 2023, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will issue a Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to identify specific partners, sites, and financial commitments that can contribute to the development of a Wind Innovation Center in New Jersey.

WHAT:            The Wind Innovation Center will help accelerate innovation, research and development, and entrepreneurship in the state’s offshore wind industry. The Center will provide offices, labs, and test sites for its users to conduct research on climate-smart modeling for high performance wind farms; technological solutions for environmental impact assessments; offshore wind transmission and grid integration; and offshore wind component design and production. The RFEI will help NJEDA identify interested parties for the development of the Wind Innovation Center.

WHERE:         The RFEI can be found here.

WHEN:           Responses to the RFEI are due by September 13, 2023 via email to windinstitute@njeda.gov. Questions may be submitted via email no later than August 22, 2023 to windinstitute@njeda.gov.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (June 21, 2023) – In May, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved five grant applications totaling more than $3.7 million under the Authority’s Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge (Grant Challenge). With this funding, recipients will launch innovative training programs focused on strengthening and diversifying the state’s offshore wind workforce, with a particular emphasis on serving Overburdened Communities.

The Grant Challenge is part of NJEDA’s Wind Institute for Innovation and Training’s (the “Wind Institute”) efforts to coordinate and deploy resources to advance offshore wind workforce development, research, and innovation in the state.

“As offshore wind grows in New Jersey, we must have a well-trained and qualified workforce that meets the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA is committed to ensuring high-quality workforce development training programs are available so that all New Jerseyans, especially those living in minority and low-income communities, have equitable access to this emerging industry. This is another step towards achieving 11GW of offshore wind by 2040 while creating a better future for the next generation.”

The grant recipients will use the funding to provide skill development, workforce training, job placement, and other related services to develop, implement, or expand workforce development initiatives in offshore wind. All programs are either led by or partner with a community-based organization serving a New Jersey overburdened community.  The provision of wraparound services including transportation, career coaching, and other supports is a core component of the awarded programs to expand access and address barriers to entry. The funded training will support the needs identified in an offshore wind workforce assessment, which projected that the offshore wind industry will result in 20,000 new jobs in 2030 across numerous sectors in the state, including construction, manufacturing, and professional services.

The following organizations were approved for grants:

“We look forward to working closely with the grantees to ensure a diverse pool of workers with the skills, competencies and credentials needed to thrive in this growing industry sector. Wind energy is our future. With these grants, we are helping ensure equal opportunities for these sustainable careers are available to all workers in our state,” said New Jersey Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

“New Jersey’s burgeoning offshore wind industry will not only provide New Jerseyans with new, clean energy to help improve the air we breathe and mitigate the impacts of climate change, but will provide a significant boost to the state’s economy by creating thousands of jobs,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “The latest EDA grant awards provide an important step forward for training and skill development so the jobs that are being created in a growing industry can be filled by New Jerseyans.”

“The organizations that were awarded grants clearly demonstrated their ability to develop and implement an effective workforce training program, with an emphasis on serving New Jersey’s overburdened communities,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “These training programs will provide a pathway to high-skilled, good-paying job opportunities and position individuals for long-term career success.”

Governor Murphy’s economic development plan, “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer NJ Economy,” identifies offshore wind as one of the strategic sectors for accelerating growth in New Jersey’s economy. Offshore wind represents a unique opportunity to meet the State’s clean energy goal of reaching 100 percent clean energy usage by 2035. Funding for the Grant Challenge is allocated under the Offshore Wind Sector Initiatives Memorandum of Understanding between the NJEDA and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities that was executed in 2021 to support offshore wind workforce development.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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