ASBURY PARK, NJ – As the East Coast sees five offshore wind projects currently under construction, Paulina O’Connor, Executive Director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance, says New Jersey must act boldly to secure its energy and economic future—starting with offshore wind.
In an op-ed marking Global Wind Day, O’Connor outlines a path forward where New Jersey can lower energy bills, improve grid reliability, and create thousands of new jobs by expanding its commitment to offshore wind energy. “Higher demand doesn’t have to mean higher costs,” she wrote. “There’s a better path forward—one that puts stable energy prices and reliability at the heart of our energy future.”
With long-term, fixed-price contracts, offshore wind can provide price certainty not available with volatile fossil fuel markets. And beyond consumer benefits, the economic ripple effects are already being felt: over 1,000 New Jersey businesses are engaged in the offshore wind supply chain. As more projects ramp up, industries from manufacturing to local hospitality are poised to benefit.
“Offshore wind isn’t just good for our energy bills—it’s a powerful engine for New Jersey’s economy,” said O’Connor, noting the importance of continued leadership to scale up the industry and avoid setbacks that could delay progress.
Citing regional grid instability, rising demand in the PJM capacity market, and increasing energy bills, O’Connor calls offshore wind a “near-term necessity.” She warns that failing to fully embrace clean power now could jeopardize the state’s climate goals, economic competitiveness, and energy security.
“The stakes are too high, and the consequences of inaction too severe,” she concluded. “A New Jersey energy future where costs are stabilized, supply is reliable, and power is clean is only possible with offshore wind.”
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit www.njowa.org and sign up for updates.
Source
