Offshore Wind Archives

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 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, 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

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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

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 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, 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:

Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education Center – $1,000,000
Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical College – $987,124
New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance – $700,000
Apex Solutions Foundation – $612,720
Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association – $425,155

“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

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Agreements with Camden County College and Camden County Technical Schools will Further Support Offshore Wind Talent Pipeline

TRENTON, N.J. (April 21, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced two agreements to establish sub-arc welding programs at Camden County College (CCC) and Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS). Over $300,000 in funding will be distributed to the two schools to train workers for careers in heavy steel offshore wind component manufacturing.

Sub-arc welding is a welding specialty utilized in large-scale component manufacturing, including for the fabrication of monopiles, which are used as the foundation of offshore wind turbines. As identified in “New Jersey’s Offshore Wind Workforce Assessment Through 2035,” welders are considered to be one of the greatest in-demand occupations for New Jersey’s growing offshore wind industry. By creating training programs with local institutions, New Jersey will continue to provide industry-leading, good-paying jobs, while growing a diverse and well-trained workforce across the emerging offshore wind sector.

“The agreements with CCC and CCTS add to the momentum underway towards meeting New Jersey’s clean energy goals through strategic investments in offshore wind,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Governor Phil Murphy has prioritized building a pipeline of talent for the offshore wind sector in an inclusive, equitable manner that creates opportunities for all New Jerseyans. The State’s highly respected community colleges and technical schools are key partners in providing access to essential training to ensure applicants have the proper skills for the wind industry’s growing opportunities.”

These agreements build on the efforts of the New Jersey Wind Institute for Innovation and Training, which continues to create opportunities through offshore wind workforce development programs. Through the sub-arc welding agreements, students will be equipped to fill positions at manufacturing companies such as EEW Offshore Structures at the Port of Paulsboro. Similar training agreements exist with Gloucester County Institute of Technology and Salem County Vocational Technical Schools.

“We are excited to expand the reach of our offshore wind training programs to Camden County and provide students at these two institutions an opportunity to acquire well-paying positions in the offshore wind industry,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “These welding training opportunities add to our investment in offshore wind training and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring available local talent for the future of offshore wind. as we work towards Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”

CCC will integrate sub-arc welding into its evening welding program for adults and establish a new sub-arc training program for individuals with prior welding experience. Five scholarships will also be made available for CCC students. NJEDA funding will also support marketing and promoting these programs to attract a diverse array of participants.

“We are enthusiastic to work with the NJEDA, industry stakeholders, and all the partners in this endeavor to fill the talent pipeline,” said Camden County College President Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett. “This partnership advances our mission to provide technical and career training for the residents of South Jersey. We are excited to offer this new curriculum that leads to jobs in sub-arc welding.”

The funding will help CCTS, a four-year vocational-technical public school, integrate sub-arc welding into its current training programs and establish an afterschool program to train senior level high school students in Camden County with introductory and sub-arc welding, and other related, skills. Five scholarships will be made available for afterschool students. Relatedly, but through a separate funding source, the school is adding a $2.8 million welding center to its Pennsauken campus, which will expand the number of welding students CCTS can serve.

“We are proud to partner with the NJEDA and the Wind Institute on these training programs,” said CCTS Superintendent Frederick Cappello. “We have a unique window to get involved with the development of New Jersey’s offshore wind industry by training workers from our Pennsauken and Sicklerville campuses. We look forward to helping our students acquire these in-demand, high-paying positions.”

“Expanding training and education opportunities for New Jersey residents is critical as our State works towards closing gaps in the talent pipeline and strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Brian K. Bridges, NJ Secretary of Higher Education. “This agreement is a shining example of how academic and industry partners across New Jersey are coming together to create opportunities as a means of addressing the problems of tomorrow.”

About the NJEDA

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Expanded program will prepare NJ students for career opportunities in offshore wind

TRENTON, N.J. (February 8, 2023) – The Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today approved expanding a program that will offer students at select New Jersey public and private universities paid research fellowships to prepare them for careers in the offshore wind industry. Opportunities will be available for undergraduate and graduate students.

In its first year, which began in October 2022, the Wind Institute Fellowship Program is supporting 26 student researchers across Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rowan University, and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The expanded program will enable students that attend these four schools plus Stockton University and selected NJ private, research universities to apply to their home institution for the Wind Institute Fellowship and receive up to $30,000 in academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25 for offshore wind research.

“As the offshore wind industry builds momentum in New Jersey, it’s essential that we foster the growth of our pipeline of qualified, talented individuals equipped with relevant skills. This will not only prepare students for exciting career opportunities, but will help our workforce keep pace with the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “An investment in today’s students is an investment in tomorrow’s economy and this fellowship program will ultimately help to position New Jersey as a global leader in offshore wind, while creating jobs and bringing us closer to achieving Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy goals.”

The fellowships will take place through the fall, spring, and summer semesters and run between 25 and 40 weeks depending on each school’s calendar. Juniors and seniors are eligible for $15,000 undergraduate awards, while graduate and doctoral students can apply for $30,000 awards. All accepted fellows will also receive $1,000 for related expenses, such as travel to conferences and materials. Each participating school can receive up to four fellowships, with at least one undergraduate and graduate representative. Rutgers can earn 12 fellowships, including at least three undergraduate and three graduate fellows.

“Wind energy is a major component of the Murphy administration’s plan for a 100 percent clean energy economy and is expected to drive billions in economic benefits,” said Jane Cohen, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “By investing in those students who come to or stay in New Jersey for higher education, we can create accessible pathways for thousands of local jobs to be filled by hard-working New Jerseyans and shape a sustainable tomorrow.”

The NJEDA will provide participating schools with funding for administration and other related expenses, while faculty advisors will receive $1,000 honorarium for their involvement. Fellows will be able to attend a series of cohort meetings hosted by the NJEDA during the academic year to support peer learning and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the offshore wind industry.

“New Jersey’s renowned higher education institutions are ideal for cultivating a workforce poised to support the state’s rapidly advancing offshore wind sector,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “This fellowship program will create opportunities for students while helping us develop a robust, diverse, and local workforce for the offshore wind industry.”

Participating universities will run their application processes in the spring. Accepted fellows will begin in the summer or fall semesters.

About the NJEDA

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TRENTON, N.J. (July 18, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Board (NJEDA) has approved the purchase of a 109.4-acre property which will enable the planned expansion of the NJ Wind Port in Lower Alloways Creek, Salem County. The approval took place during last week’s Board meeting.

The New Jersey Wind Port is a first-in-the-nation infrastructure investment that will provide a location for essential staging, assembly, and manufacturing activities related to offshore wind projects on the East Coast. At full build-out, the Wind Port has the potential to create up to 1,500 manufacturing, assembly, and operations jobs and drive billions of dollars in economic growth back into the New Jersey economy.

Phase 1 of the Wind Port broke ground in September 2021 with marshalling activities due to commence in early 2024. The purchase of the 109.4-acre property from NDEV LLC, a subsidiary of PSEG Power, will enable Phase 2 of the project as proposed, expanding the Port’s total footprint to over 220 acres and enabling it to support marshalling of two wind projects concurrently as well as up to three co-located manufacturing facilities.

“Today’s approval is another major step forward for the New Jersey Wind Port and for delivering on Governor Murphy’s goal of making New Jersey the engine room of the U.S offshore wind supply chain,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The ability to marshal two projects at once, with additional space for component manufacturing, will turbocharge job creation, opportunities for small businesses, and all forms of ancillary economic activity both locally and across the state.”

Sullivan added that expanded marshalling capacity will also help to alleviate the current shortfall in fit-for-purpose port capacity across the region, helping states up and down the U.S east coast to deliver on their wind targets on time and cost-effectively.

The 109.4-acre property is set directly north of property the NJEDA is leasing from PSEG Nuclear to develop Phase 1 of the NJ Wind Port. It is currently permitted as a confined disposal facility (CDF), with the permitting process to enable the Port’s expansion due to commence shortly. The purchase from NDEV LLC was for a negotiated price of $24.25 million.

The State of New Jersey is committed to constructing the New Jersey Wind Port using union labor and requires developers and contractors to pay prevailing wage. The State is also committed to setting a new standard for inclusion of women- and minority-owned businesses during construction of the New Jersey Wind Port. The NJEDA has established a requirement that at least 25 percent of subcontractors for the port construction are small businesses and at least 15 percent are women-, minority-, or veteran- owned. The project also includes worker diversity goals of 18 percent people of color and 6.9 percent women.

NJEDA expects to commence tenant selection for parcels of the property in the coming months.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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Parcel to be Purpose-built for Tier 1 wind component manufacturing, Co-located with a Marshaling Port and with Ready Access to East Coast Offshore Wind Sites

Trenton, N.J. (May 20, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it will shortly launch the next phase of its eagerly-anticipated tenant selection process for the New Jersey Wind Port. This phase will involve seeking offers from Tier 1 wind component manufacturers, such as blades, for an approximately 70-acre parcel of property at the Port.

The New Jersey Wind Port, located on the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek, Salem County, will be a transformative, hub-style port serving offshore wind projects in New Jersey and up and down the U.S. East Coast. The Port is being developed by the NJEDA on behalf of the State and represents a new approach to economic development that will spur both job creation and opportunities for businesses throughout the offshore wind supply chain. It has the potential to create up to 1,500 manufacturing, assembly, and operations jobs, with wind projects supported by the Port driving billions more dollars in economic growth.

The Port is situated at the geographical center of the United States’ burgeoning offshore wind sector – with approximately 40 gigawatts (GW) of committed and planned offshore wind projects along the East Coast, including 7.5 GW of projects off the coast of New Jersey. The Port will offer offshore wind industry tenants the following key features:

Access to the Atlantic Ocean free of vertical restrictions;
Upland acreage purpose-built for marshalling and component manufacturing;
A wide approach channel from the main Delaware River Channel;
A purpose-built heavy-lift wharf, comprising both delivery and installation berths; and
Heavy-haul Road connections between inland port parcels and the Wharf.

The NJEDA will shortly seek non-binding offers from Tier 1 offshore wind component manufacturers, such as blades manufacturers, for an approximately 70-acre parcel at the Port. The parcel is currently undeveloped but is intended to be purpose-built for manufacturing and would adjoin a deep-water port. The parcel would be connected to two marshalling parcels via a purpose-built heavy-haul road corridor, providing unrivalled cost efficiencies for a manufacturer and their developer clients. The NJEDA anticipates that the parcel will be available for sublease from late-2026. A notice for the sublease of property will be issued in coming weeks and will be available at Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA.

“There is simply no better site to anchor an offshore wind manufacturing facility in the nation than at the New Jersey Wind Port, the nation’s only purpose-built greenfield wind port and epicenter of the nation’s fast emerging wind supply chain hub,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “For a manufacturer, being co-located with two marshalling parcels means significantly lower logistics costs, a win for industry and a win for energy consumers. At the same time, being part of the nation’s supply chain hub means ready access to a growing ecosystem of tier two suppliers across Southern New Jersey and throughout the state.”

Home to a high concentration of skilled labor, a well-established maritime industry and workforce, and a network of highly-regarded colleges and universities, New Jersey is ideally-placed to drive the development of the offshore wind industry in the United States.

“Manufacturing critical components of the offshore wind supply chain here in New Jersey will not only benefit our own offshore wind projects, but the entire industry up and down the East Coast,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “By diversifying the manufacturing opportunities available, we will bring more jobs and economic development opportunities to the Garden State as we work to achieve Governor Murphy’s goal of 7.5 GW by 2035.”

Last fall, Governor Phil Murphy led the celebration for the New Jersey Wind Port’s groundbreaking, alongside Federal Secretary of Labor, Martin J. Walsh and a host of state and local officials. The event also included the signing of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), with the State committed to using union labor to construct the Port and to setting a new standard for inclusion of minority and women workers and business owners.

Governor Murphy announced last month that the NJEDA and Orsted North America had executed a letter of intent (LOI) for Orsted to marshal its Ocean Wind 1 project from the Port. As part of its bid to the NJBPU Orsted had proposed to marshal Ocean Wind from an interstate port, with its commitment to instead use the Wind Port creating over 200 pre-assembly, load out and stevedoring jobs in New Jersey that would otherwise have been lost to other states.

Core construction of the Wind Port commenced in January of this year, with the first phase of the Port due to reach completion in early 2024.

Further information on the Port is available at: https://www.nj.gov/windport/.

About the NJEDA

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Agreement with Salem County Vocational Technical School will help prepare local workers for offshore wind opportunities

Trenton, N.J. (April 14, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) received approval from its Board yesterday to enter an agreement with Salem County Vocational Technical School (SCVTS) that will support the expansion of the school’s offshore wind-related painting and welding programs. Under the agreement, the NJEDA will provide up to $200,000 to support the expansion of programs that will prepare students and workers for jobs in heavy steel offshore wind component manufacturing.

“NJEDA’s support of offshore wind programs at SCVTS is part of our efforts to ensure New Jersey’s pipeline of skilled workers keeps pace with growing demand from the high-growth offshore wind industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This focus on offshore wind education supports Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for New Jersey as a global leader in the industry, and also advances his goal of a stronger and fairer economy by creating equitable educational and career opportunities.”

The NJEDA will help to fund equipment, materials, instructor time, and other expenses required to train secondary and post-secondary students for the specific skills required for large scale steel component manufacturing. This agreement complements an similar agreement between NJEDA and Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) announced in December 2021.

“Since the beginning of this process, the NJEDA has been committed to making sure that Salem County residents are given the opportunity for employment at the Wind Port facility.” Said Salem County Commissioner Director, Ben Laury. “The Board of Commissioners is pleased to see that commitment manifest in an investment for SCVTS and its students.”

“NJEDA’s commitment to funding these growing programs is an investment in the future of our local workforce,” said SCVTS Superintendent John Swain. “Training and reskilling workers will prepare them for high-quality offshore wind career opportunities that will sustain our families and communities well into the future.”

“This agreement will result in opportunities for high school students and adult learners to gain the specialized skills needed for jobs in the offshore wind large-scale steel component manufacturing sector,” said Jen Becker, Managing Director of Wind Institute Development. “We’re really excited to launch these programs in the coming months.”

This agreement utilizes funding from memorandum of understanding between NJEDA and the NJ Board of Public Utilities to support offshore wind training and research initiatives.

About the NJEDA

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Initiatives Will Create Offshore Wind Fellowship Program and Support Universities to Deepen Industry Expertise

TRENTON, N.J. (March 31, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced plans to provide a total of more than $1 million to Rutgers University, Rowan University, Montclair State University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to advance academic research and investment in offshore wind workforce training. Specifically, the NJEDA Board authorized staff to enter into memoranda of understanding with the universities to develop both the NJ Wind Institute Fellowship Program (Fellowship Program) and the University Initiatives to Advance Offshore Wind (University Initiatives).

In its pilot year, the Fellowship Program is expected to support 24 graduate and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines with stipends and resources as they conduct independent research on topics that will further offshore wind development in New Jersey. Selected students will participate as a cohort in workshops, site visits, and guest lectures with industry stakeholders and have the chance to present their research to government, academic and industry experts at the end of their Fellowship.

The University Initiatives will be designed to provide long-term, industry valued expertise for students, faculty, and staff. Potential initiatives can include new curriculum development, pre- and post-doctoral student positions, faculty training in offshore wind, or other activities that support offshore wind learning.

Both the Fellowship Program and University Initiatives are expected to begin this year. Students interested in learning more about these programs should contact their university’s career services office.

Governor Phil Murphy recently proposed dedicating $5 million in funding for the NJ Wind Institute for Innovation and Training in the state’s 2023 Fiscal Year Budget.

“Our partnership with these four leading New Jersey research institutions will ensure that the Garden State’s offshore wind sector is best positioned for growth and industry leadership,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Governor’s allocation for the NJ Wind Institute for Innovation and Training in the upcoming budget serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to accelerating economic growth, meeting our clean energy goals, and investing in a robust, diverse, and experienced workforce.”

Managing Director of Wind Institute Development Jenifer Becker echoed Sullivan’s sentiments about the benefits the Fellowship Program and University Initiatives will have on New Jersey’s economy.

“These initiatives will allow us to capitalize on one of New Jersey’s greatest assets – its research universities – to build a pipeline of industry experts in the offshore wind sector,” said Jen Becker, Managing Director of Wind Institute Development. “This pool of trained talent will be a vital resource as New Jersey continues on its path toward becoming a global leader in this high-growth industry. We look forward to working in collaboration with the Legislature to establish the Wind Institute.”

The NJEDA will utilize funding from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to fund both the Fellowship Program and the University Initiatives.

“New Jersey has made significant strides in leveraging the state’s knowledge and talent to fuel the clean technology economy under Governor Murphy’s leadership,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Today’s announcement will directly strengthen New Jersey’s research and development initiatives, while expanding its offshore wind workforce.”

The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education has been a key partner to the NJEDA in its work to ensure that students and workers have the tools they need to compete for offshore wind jobs.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey continues to invest in higher education programs and partnerships that spur innovation and increase access to opportunity for students of all backgrounds,” said Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges. “The NJ Wind Institute will utilize the talents of our students, faculty, and research institutions to further develop New Jersey as a national leader in offshore wind.”

Each university will play a unique role in the development and implementation of the Fellowship and/or Initiative announced today.

“The collaboration with NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute on the fellowship program will advance educational and scientific research opportunities for our students and faculty as they work to improve both the economy and our environment,” said Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway. “As home to the New Jersey Clean Energy Resource Network, Rutgers remains committed to ensuring that businesses in the clean energy sector can grow and prosper in New Jersey.”

“Higher education must adapt quickly to not only meet the needs of this generation, but the generations to follow,” said Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand. “Investing in sustainability education through our partnership with NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute ensures that Rowan University students and our faculty can play a prominent role in reshaping the future of our state and planet.”

“Montclair State University – with its deep commitment to serving the public interest and advancing student success – has an opportunity to define the future,” said Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell. “This collaboration with the NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute will build on the great work being done by our Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center and provide our students, faculty, and staff with the resources required to continue engaging in bold, imaginative research projects dedicated to bettering our environment.”

“NJIT remains dedicated to prioritizing research and creating opportunities that benefit the public sector,” said NJIT President Joel S. Bloom. “NJIT is proud to partner with NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute as we work together to fund, develop, and cultivate research projects that grow New Jersey’s offshore wind sector, further economic opportunity and social mobility, and better our environment for generations to come.”

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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