Business Network for Offshore Wind Expands to New Jersey

The Business Network for Offshore Wind, a nonprofit network championing the development of the U.S. offshore wind supply chain, has established its presence in New Jersey with the opening of an office in Woodbridge.

The opening of the office coincided with the the 6th anniversary of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s signing the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act.

“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 off-shore wind leases,” said Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey.

Matthew Greller, who was involved in passing the New Jersey Offshore Wind Economic Development Act in 2010, will be the New Jersey Director of Business Network for Offshore Wind. Ross Tyler, former Director of Clean Energy for the Maryland Energy Administration will continue to lead the Maryland network office. Liz Burdock, Executive Director, will manage all network expansion efforts.

“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. 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,” said Kris Ohleth, Ecology & Environment.

2016 is an exciting year for offshore wind in New Jersey, according to the network, with DONG Energy announcing plans to construct Ocean Wind, a 1,000 megawatt wind farm 10 miles off Atlantic City, and Fishermen’s Energy again winning a competitive Department of Energy grant as it moves closer to construction of six turbines off Atlantic City as a ready-made demonstration project.