The state of New Jersey has decided to halt an offshore wind energy project that is struggling to secure a manufacturer for turbine blades. Leading Light Wind, a project by Invenergy and energyRE, was granted a pause by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities until December 20 to find a source for these essential components. The project is planned to be located 40 miles off Long Beach Island and aims to have up to 100 turbines to power around 1 million homes.
One of the setbacks in the project occurred when GE Vernova, a major turbine manufacturer, declined to produce the type of turbine needed for the Leading Light project, leaving the developers in a tough spot. Another turbine manufacturer, Vestas, was also deemed unsuitable for the project, and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy raised the cost of its turbines significantly, leaving the project without a supplier. This situation led Invenergy to request a pause to explore options with the utilities board and supply chain partners amidst market fluctuations.
Christine Guhl-Sadovy, the president of the utilities board, expressed that the delay will aid in the progression of the project, affirming New Jersey’s commitment to offshore wind goals. She believes this pause will allow Invenergy to secure a suitable turbine supplier, contributing to clean energy generation for the state and supporting the growth of the clean energy workforce.
This delay is just the latest obstacle for offshore wind projects in New Jersey. Other projects have faced challenges, with Danish company Orsted cancelling offshore wind farms due to financial reasons, and Atlantic Shores seeking to renegotiate its project’s financial terms. Despite opposition to offshore wind from some residents and politicians in New Jersey, other states like Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Virginia have successfully operational or near-operational offshore wind projects.
The industry has faced criticism, with opponents highlighting incidents such as a turbine blade collapsing off Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. However, supporters stress the importance of offshore wind in transitioning away from fossil fuel reliance to combat climate change. New Jersey has become a focal point for both support and opposition to offshore wind development, with differing viewpoints from residents and politicians shaping the future of clean energy initiatives in the state.