NJOWA Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2025
New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance Celebrates First Year, Advancing State’s Clean Energy Future Despite Market Challenges
Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance (NJOWA) today announced the successful completion of its first year as a leading organization dedicated to advancing a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape in New Jersey. The state’s grid operator, PJM, is forecasting the region’s total energy use will increase by 40% by 2039. As the population grows, development expands, and our reliance on technology increases—particularly with the electrification of buildings and vehicles, as well as the rise of AI data centers—our electricity demands will continue to intensify, putting greater strain on the grid.
Offshore wind stands ready to answer the call of the state’s energy needs. It has emerged as an essential renewable energy source that will help to meet that demand and reduce our contribution of greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring that we meet our climate targets, build a new industry with good, long-term jobs, and achieve a more sustainable future.
As the industry navigates a host of challenges including record high inflation, supply chain availability, political hostility, and other market shifts, it is more important than ever to ensure offshore wind’s critical role in New Jersey’s immediate – and future – energy strategy.
“We’ve made great progress this year pursuing our mission to advance New Jersey’s energy independence and resource adequacy through offshore wind, but we understand the road ahead will not be easy,” said Paulina O’Connor, Executive Director of New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance. “We have built a strong foundation for the future of renewable energy, and we are committed to working on a collaborative, bipartisan basis to advance policies and initiatives that drive the growth of offshore wind in New Jersey – and beyond.”
In its inaugural year, NJOWA represented offshore wind developers and regional renewable energy organizations supporting New Jersey’s growing offshore wind industry. Despite divisive national discourse and misguided opposition to offshore wind, NJOWA has become an impactful voice for the industry in the Garden State, advocating for policies that promote domestic clean energy sources. The organization made significant strides in advancing offshore wind development through proactive communication and collaboration.
NJOWA worked closely with state government agencies, engaged with legislators to promote supportive policies, and fostered partnerships with key stakeholders. Representing the alliance at events and conferences, it served as a trusted voice for New Jersey's growing offshore wind industry. It maintained a strong public presence, issuing timely press statements to serve as a resource for fact-based information, producing a monthly newsletter, and keeping the public informed on the latest developments. Through these efforts, it strengthened its role as a leader in driving the state’s clean energy future. The organization also made substantial contributions to the industry through policy advocacy, workforce development, and public engagement.
In addition to its work with state agencies, NJOWA also:
● Advanced multiple higher education partnerships;
● Fostered economic impact and industry growth;
● Raised scientific and fact-based information public awareness; and
● Built industry partnerships.
As NJOWA enters its second year, the organization's priorities remain rooted in elevating the offshore wind industry as an indispensable part of New Jersey’s – and the nation’s energy future. NJOWA will continue to work in a bipartisan way with all relevant stakeholders and partners to advance the Garden State’s pro-business, pro-energy agenda.
For more information about NJOWA’s work and the growth of offshore wind in New Jersey, visit https://www.njowa.org/.
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