Business Network for Offshore Wind Opens New Jersey Office

    BALTIMORE, MD, August 22, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On the 6th anniversary of Governor Christie's signing the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act, The Business Network for Offshore Wind, a leader in building the U.S. offshore wind supply chain, announced the opening of its Woodbridge, New Jersey office. "By expanding to New Jersey, which has the potential to provide more than 4GW of offshore wind power, the Network can continue building a US offshore wind supply chain, generate additional job opportunities for members and strengthen the emerging U.S. offshore wind industry, said Liz Burdock, Executive Director.

"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 offshore wind leases," said Doug O'Malley, Environment New Jersey.

2016 is an exciting year for offshore wind in New Jersey. Four months after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced New Jersey's 344,000 acres of two Wind Energy Areas, two companies, RES Americas, Inc. and U.S. Wind Inc. bid nearly $2 million in November 2015 for the off-shore leases. Now, after a transfer of the lease this spring, DONG Energy, the world's largest owner of offshore wind, announced plans to construct Ocean Wind, a 1,000 megawatt wind farm 10 miles off Atlantic City. Additionally, Fishermen's Energy, again won a competitive Department of Energy grant as it moves closer to construction of six turbines off Atlantic City as a ready-made demonstration project.

"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," states Kris Ohleth, Ecology & Environment.

Matthew Greller, who was involved in passing the New Jersey Offshore Wind Economic Development Act in 2010, will be the New Jersey Director of the Business Network for Offshore Wind. Matthew also and serves as Of Counsel with Cleantech Law Partners, a boutique law firm specializing in the renewable energy field. Ross Tyler, formally Director of Clean Energy for the Maryland Energy Administration will continue to lead the Maryland Network Office.

About The Business Network For Offshore Wind

The Business Network for Offshore Wind is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to creating jobs, strengthening the economy, and improving the quality of life for all citizens through harnessing the power of offshore wind. The Network is focused on delivering education, creating partnerships and advancing the industry. All proceeds are turned right back into supporting the industry by helping the Network continue programmatic education, develop tools, and networks necessary to create a US offshore wind supply chain.

Follow us on Twitter: @Offshorewindus #2016IPF http://www.bizmdosw.org

For more information, contact Liz Burdock: [email protected]

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