Leading Light Wind – the only American-led project in the New York Bight – has submitted its offshore wind project bid to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for New Jersey’s third competitive offshore wind solicitation.
The project proposes to deliver up to 2,400 MW of clean energy to the state – advancing public health, resilience, job creation, energy independence and economic development benefits.
Located more than 40 miles off the coast, Leading Light Wind will power up to 1 million New Jersey homes. It will also support thousands of jobs over its operational life and represents over $3 billion in economic development benefits for the Garden State.
Leading Light Wind is a partnership between lead developer Invenergy and co-developer energyRe.
“Leading Light Wind exemplifies Invenergy’s dedication to American-led energy innovation and our unmatched ability to increase U.S. competitiveness in the offshore wind market,” says Bryan Schueler, senior executive vice president, and construction business leader for Invenergy. “With strong partners in New Jersey, we are committed to delivering the benefits of the clean energy economy to Garden State residents for generations to come.”
Leading Light Wind is proposing supply chain and infrastructure investments that include localizing a wind turbine generator tower manufacturing facility and performing marshaling activities at the New Jersey Wind Port; the expansion of the EEW American Offshore Structures monopile manufacturing facility; and development of an in-state operations and maintenance port. The proposal also includes a battery storage option that would provide 253 MW of advanced energy storage to facilitate grid and ratepayer benefits.
To support local workforce development, Leading Light Wind signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with five New Jersey labor unions that prioritizes union construction for the project and supports lifelong career opportunities in the offshore wind sector. The MOU also endorses hiring and training practices to promote a diverse, next-generation workforce. As a part of Leading Light Wind’s larger community benefits program, the project has also formed strategic partnerships with several educational, career and workforce institutions across the Garden State.
If awarded, Leading Light Wind is committed to building an equitable offshore wind industry in New Jersey and will establish a statewide community benefits program with up to $150 million in funding to empower local communities, build an inclusive workforce, accelerate the domestic offshore wind supply chain, and pioneer industry-leading and collaborative environmental research. The community benefits program features 25 initial partnership and program opportunities.
