New Jersey’s offshore wind industry is set to receive a substantial boost as Attentive Energy, a company proposing an offshore wind farm in the state, commits to investing $10.6 million in projects aimed at nurturing the industry’s supply chain and supporting ocean-based technology startups.
Attentive Energy is among the four projects recently proposed in New Jersey’s latest round of solicitations for offshore wind initiatives. This collaboration brings together Total Energies, a Houston-based energy company, and Corio Generation, which maintains offices in Boston and London.
During a notable event hosted at Brookdale Community College, Damian Bednarz, President of Attentive Energy, unveiled plans to allocate $6.6 million towards Sea Ahead, a company dedicated to nurturing ocean-related technology firms. This investment will facilitate the establishment of a business incubator program within New Jersey, fostering an environment where the most innovative minds are inspired to tackle global challenges.
Bednarz emphasized the significance of providing these resources to support the success of emerging talent. He stated, “We need to create an environment where the best and the brightest choose to solve the hardest problems that we face as a globe. And if we’re going to get them to do that, they need to know that the resources are going to be there for them to be successful.”
Attentive Energy’s ambitious proposal includes the development of a wind farm situated 42 miles off the coast of Seaside Heights. This project is poised to generate sufficient energy to power approximately 600,000 homes. Notably, it stands out as one of the offshore wind farm projects farthest from the shoreline on the U.S. East Coast. The considerable distance from the coast effectively addresses a primary concern raised by offshore wind opponents—ensuring that wind turbines are not visible from the beach.
In the absence of Orsted, New Jersey currently has only one approved offshore wind project: Atlantic Shores. This venture, based in Atlantic City, is a collaborative effort between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development, LLC.
In a related development, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has taken a proactive step by establishing a designated “go-slow zone” for ships off Atlantic City. This measure is aimed at safeguarding the critically endangered North American right whale, of which there are fewer than 350 remaining. NOAA’s decision underscores the importance of balancing economic activities with the preservation of delicate marine ecosystems.
Attentive Energy’s substantial investment signals a promising future for New Jersey’s offshore wind sector, with a dual focus on expanding the supply chain and fostering innovation in ocean-related technologies. As the state continues to embrace sustainable energy solutions, the ripple effects are expected to benefit both the economy and the environment.
