TRENTON, N.J. (October 31, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Offshore Wind Applied Research Administration Grant Challenge on November 4, 2024. The Grant Challenge is a pilot program where the NJEDA will award a single grant of $6.35 million to an Administrator to develop and administer a Sub-Grant Program for offshore wind applied research and innovation open to universities and colleges located in New Jersey.

WHAT: This Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, where applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and manage a Sub-Grant Program, through which at least two solicitations will be administered to provide funding to New Jersey colleges and universities for applied research projects for the offshore wind industry. The Sub-Grant Program will provide grants for research projects that show a connection to potential commercialization or innovation of offshore wind technologies.

WHO: Non-profit entities with direct experience overseeing and administering a minimum of one prior offshore wind research and development solicitation are eligible to apply. New Jersey universities and colleges are not eligible to apply for this grant challenge.

WHEN: Applications for this program will open on Monday, November 4, 2024, and close on Thursday, December 19, 2024. A Q&A will be posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

For more information on the Offshore Wind Applied Research Administration Grant Challenge, click here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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More than 350 attendees gathered in Atlantic City to explore the latest developments in offshore wind and discover new prospects in the growing sector

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (October 29, 2024) – As part of the ongoing collaboration between New York and New Jersey, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) co-hosted the “New York & New Jersey Offshore Wind Supplier Forum,” in Atlantic City on Monday. The forum, part of a bi-annual series, connected local businesses with developers and other contracted suppliers to explore opportunities in offshore wind, helping New Jersey and New York businesses to build the knowledge and relationships needed for success in the growing industry.

The event brought together more than 350 registered attendees from the regional offshore wind industry eager to supply products and services for projects along the East Coast.

“Through our partnership with NYSERDA, we were able to provide businesses across the region with critical information and a forum to directly connect with new opportunities in the growing sector,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, we are committed to realizing the promise of a clean energy future, and this Supplier Forum is a testament to our vision of a robust offshore wind economy.”

“Governor Hochul’s firm commitment to advancing offshore wind development while reducing its cost is bolstered by New York and New Jersey’s shared vision for a regional supply chain to support regional and national efforts to deploy this resource at scale,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “Together, we can leverage the lessons learned from overcoming obstacles and keep driving progress for this powerhouse industry.”

At the event, the states announced the launch of a joint workforce development website, offshorewindtraining.org, which includes occupation descriptions, funding opportunities, and a map of all the offshore wind training locations in both New Jersey and New York.

Attendees networked among developers and suppliers, as well as attended several informative sessions on supply chain development. Notably, the session “New York-New Jersey Partnership Success Story,” offered valuable insight into how New Jersey and New York businesses collaborated with European partners to localize components, creating a major manufacturing success in the rapidly growing US offshore wind industry.

“The Offshore Wind Supplier Forum was a valuable opportunity that we were proud to be a part of,” said Chris Johnston, Vice President of Offshore Wind at Riggs Distler. “Our session highlighted the importance of making connections and developing relationships with other like-mind organizations to support these large-scale construction projects. Our work with Smulders and LJUNGSTROM and other Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers was built on the collaborative drive towards a sustainable future as we actively shape the offshore wind landscape.”

Consistent with the commitment to support small businesses, the Forum featured 10 New Jersey and New York companies that made a two-minute pitch each to present their capabilities and highlight the services they can offer for offshore wind projects to an audience of developers and other primary component suppliers.

To stay up to date on additional events in New Jersey, visit: https://www.nj.gov/offshorewind/. To stay up to date on additional events in New York, visit https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Offshore-Wind/Announcements-and-Events.
 

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram

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Funding will support economic development activities across communities with offshore wind transmission projects

TRENTON, N.J. (September 27, 2024) – In July, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) received a notice of a $50 million funding award through the United States Department of Energy’s (USDOE) Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program. Upon NJEDA Board approval of the grant award, the NJEDA and its collaborators plan to fund a portfolio of initiatives that will prepare local residents for careers in the clean energy industry. It will also fund local projects designed to increase civic engagement, and further economic mobility in communities with new renewable transmission infrastructure. 

“Offshore wind presents us with not only a pathway to a clean energy future but an opportunity to generate impactful economic growth and family-sustaining, union jobs,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Thanks to our partners at the U.S. Department of Energy, this critical funding puts us closer to realizing the offshore wind industry’s full potential for the benefit of all New Jerseyans.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is poised to capture the momentous opportunity presented by offshore wind by investing in projects and infrastructure that will contribute billions back to the state economy, grow our clean energy future, and better the environment for generations to come,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Though the Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grants program, the NJEDA will fund locally-driven, high-impact, community projects that increase access to workforce training, connect residents with good-paying, family-sustaining careers, and improve quality-of-life.”

The NJEDA’s proposed initiatives will integrate community-driven decision making with capital improvements and foster equitable access to good-paying careers while prioritizing federally designated Disadvantaged Communities (DACs). Following NJEDA board approval and upon execution, the grant will support:

  • A Community Investment Fund to support capital projects identified and chosen by residents through Participatory Budgeting, a democratic process where residents propose, vote on, and lead spending decisions for community improvement projects in localities where new renewable transmission infrastructure is sited. At least 40 percent of the funds under this program will be targeted for DACs.
  • A new Transmission Trailblazers Training program in collaboration with Atlantic City Electric that will provide skills training to 200 individuals for entry-level jobs in transmission, with a target of 70 percent of enrollments from DACs.
  • An upskilling training program on High-Voltage Direct Current methods through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 400. The program will be provided to 30 individuals, with a target of 40 percent of enrollments comprising workers from underrepresented communities or facing labor market displacement.
  • A Pre-Apprenticeship training program for electrical careers that supports entry into IBEW Local 400 and other electrical trade jobs, with a target of 40 percent of enrollments from DACs and underrepresented communities.
  • The development of a Transmission Corridor Bike Path that will utilize transmission rights-of-way and existing trail paths to create a larger interconnected trail system, bringing economic and quality-of-life benefits to New Jersey communities.

“The Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grant Program’s $50 million award will create numerous opportunities across New Jersey to stimulate the economy, help residents learn new skills through training programs, and enhance the quality of life in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Department of Energy for this funding, which will boost our green economy by creating good-paying clean energy sector jobs and enhancing community engagement statewide.”

“The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) thanks the Biden Administration for its continued support of the Garden State’s growing offshore wind industry, which remains pivotal to our achievement of 100% clean energy by 2035,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “This significant funding will support union job training and spur economic opportunities in the local communities hosting critical transmission infrastructure projects across our state.”

“These programs are exactly the type of smart investments into our disadvantaged communities that the IBEW Local Union 400’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is proud to be a partner in,” said IBEW Local Union 400’s Director of Training Todd Larsen. “We can bring career opportunities to those who need it most, while building up our State infrastructure and doubling down on clean energy.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (September 3, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from qualified entities that provide registered apprenticeship programs and have perspectives on establishing new registered apprenticeship training locations in Overburdened Communities.

The information gathered through the RFI will help the NJEDA and the New Jersey Department of Labor better understand the scope and characteristics of a potential grant program that would support the planning and implementation of new or expanded training facilities and fund costs for the planning, construction, or renovations. The deadline to submit questions will be 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2024, and the deadline for responses will be 5:00 p.m. on September 24, 2024. The RFI can be found here: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA.    

WHAT:           The NJEDA is seeking information on the needs, challenges, opportunities, and best practices to build or expand physical locations in Overburdened Communities for apprenticeship training facilities, as well as associated costs for planning and construction. The responses will help the Authority better understand the registered apprenticeship landscape, especially in regard to physical locations of training facilities. The potential creation of a grant program would help reduce barriers to training and employment and help New Jersey employers retain qualified workers.

WHO:            The RFI seeks responses from qualified entities that provide or have experience with U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs with perspectives on establishing new apprenticeship training locations in Overburdened Communities.

WHEN:            All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2024, via email to WorkforceInnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “Questions-2024-[RFI-229]”. Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the NJEDA’s website at: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 24, 2024, via e-mail to WorkforceInnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024 [RFI-229]”.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (August 5, 2024) – Applications for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge will open on Thursday, August 8. The $7 million grant program will prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving overburdened communities.

WHAT:             The Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, for which applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and implement workforce training and skills programs focused on strengthening and diversifying the state’s green economy. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million are available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

WHO:              Entities that can provide skill development, workforce training, job placement, and other related services are eligible to apply.

WHEN:           Applications for the program will open Thursday, August 8, 2024, and close October 8, 2024.

                        An informational webinar will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. To register, click here.

For more information on the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, click here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (June 04, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), along with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, will be hosting a series of open house events designed to educate and engage the public about the state’s offshore wind initiatives. Throughout June, the NJEDA will host three meet and greet events in North, Central, and South Jersey to inform residents on the key aspects of offshore wind energy and its importance to New Jersey’s clean energy future.

These informative sessions will give the public and key stakeholders access to factual information that matters most to the community, such as workforce development programs, environmental monitoring, details on port infrastructure, transmission projects, and lease areas, offering insights into the projects being developed and the benefits they bring to the state. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from state agencies and offshore wind developers, ask questions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening with offshore wind in New Jersey.

Attending developers will include Leading Light Wind, Attentive Energy 2, Atlantic Shores, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development.

“These open houses are a tremendous opportunity for New Jersey residents to learn about the exciting advancements in offshore wind energy and how they will contribute to our state’s sustainable future,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of NJEDA. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is leading the way in offshore wind development, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the information they need to be part of this transformative journey to a clean energy future.”

Open houses will take place:

      Central Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024

o  Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor

·      North Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

o  Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, 355 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark

·      South Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024

o  Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: Atlantic Cape Community College, 1535 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City

These events are open to the public and free of charge. Click here for more information.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Atlantic City, N.J. (May 23, 2024) – Yesterday, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) hosted a Maritime Roundtable forum to convene leading figures from the maritime service industry and maritime-related businesses to address pressing opportunities and challenges in offshore wind. Held in Atlantic City on National Maritime Day, discussions focused on the development of training programs for qualified mariners, maritime career pathways including the importance of considering veterans for positions, and the necessity of building networks and dialogue among various stakeholders.

Participants from the local maritime sector, businesses with offshore wind expertise, training providers and other key stakeholders came together to discuss collaborative opportunities, innovative approaches and lessons learned from the first offshore wind projects on the East Coast. Featured speakers included Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York New Jersey, Julie Shebroe of NorthStar Marine, Sloane Perras of FOSS Offshore Wind, John Berry of Crowley Maritime Corporation, and Peter Knorr from the New Jersey Wind Port.

Lyman, who delivered a keynote address at the event, commented on the opportunity ahead.

“The rapidly growing offshore wind industry will play a huge role in the region’s transition to clean energy and carbon neutrality, while doing so will create thousands of jobs,” Lyman said. “This transition will require partnerships between the commercial maritime sector and the energy sector.”

Industry leaders at the event shared their experiences and strategies for recruiting and training personnel. The forum provided a platform to explore solutions aimed at strengthening existing career paths, thereby supporting the growth of the maritime workforce in New Jersey. Specific topics covered during the event included:

  • Required services e.g., survey, research, bunkering, fuel, engineering, procurement, and construction, etc;
  • Gaps and challenges in growing the workforce and enhancing existing services;  
  • Training, upskilling, apprenticeships, and career pathways; and
  • Innovative workforce and business solutions.

“New Jersey is home to one of the most highly skilled and educated workforces in the nation,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the NJEDA. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, we are committed to ensuring New Jerseyans are poised for careers in emerging sectors. We are excited to partner with community colleges, labor unions, and other workforce development organizations to meet the needs of the offshore wind sector, as well as others in maritime services.”

As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, the Maritime Roundtable event builds a foundation for fostering future collaboration, innovation and creating necessary pathways to ensure a robust maritime workforce equipped to meet the demands of the sector.

“The Wind Institute for Innovation and Training is committed to developing workforce programs to help our maritime industry thrive alongside the growth in offshore wind,” said Jen Becker, Executive Vice President, Clean Energy and Workforce Innovation Partnerships at the NJEDA. “Bringing industry, academic, and other stakeholders together for this roundtable is an important part of those efforts.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn

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The grant challenge supports the State’s goals to prepare New Jersey residents for jobs in the green economy

TRENTON, N.J. (April 11, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge. The $7 million grant program will prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving overburdened communities.

“Governor Phil Murphy is committed to investing in our clean energy future, and through programs like the Green Workforce Training Grant, the NJEDA is spearheading initiatives that increase access to skills and training, putting New Jerseyans at the forefront of green economy careers,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through this important workforce development program, New Jersey is investing in our clean energy future by expanding opportunities and ensuring equitable access to good-paying jobs for all residents, especially those in overburdened communities.”

The Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, where applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and implement workforce supports to bolster the green economy, with a focus on New Jersey’s overburdened communities. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million are available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

“The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge is a unique chance for entities across the State of New Jersey, as it provides funds for them to train residents for jobs in the green economy, while ensuring a diverse workforce,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy and Council on the Green Economy Eric Miller. “This Grant Challenge will provide long-lasting solutions that will protect our environment while creating opportunities for our state’s workforce.”

The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge was created by the NJEDA, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy and the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training. The program is funded with $4.35 million through the Council on the Green Economy and $2.65 million from the Wind Institute.

“We are experiencing a clean-energy renaissance, and New Jersey is positioning its residents to succeed in this emerging industry,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “This Grant Challenge will build our talent pipeline for the growing offshore wind and green economy sectors and will help to ensure equitable access to the industry for diverse workers and overburdened communities.”

The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge builds upon the Green Jobs Council’s NJ Building our Resilient, Inclusive, and Diverse Green Economy (BRIDGE) Initiative. Last year, a total of $5 million in grants were awarded through the BRIDGE Initiative to support organizations working to create a diverse and inclusive workforce to support the state’s clean energy goals.

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, workforce training organizations, labor unions, technical high schools, county colleges, non-profits, regional workforce development boards, and private-sector companies. Applicants must include at least one Community-Based Organization (CBO) that serves one or more New Jersey overburdened community as part of their application.

Applicants’ proposals must include their plans to implement workforce programs, connect participants with job opportunities in the green economy, develop outreach that targets and supports a diverse and inclusive pool of participants, including those from overburdened communities, and define program evaluation and success metrics.

More information about the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, including eligibility requirements and a formal application, will be available on www.njeda.gov by mid-2024.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Agreement will enable the Authority to provide nearly $400K to NJIT’s POWERCERTS Program

TRENTON, N.J. (September 12, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to provide $399,000 in funding to the Professional Offshore Wind Energy Certificates (POWERCERTS) Program. The funding approved in the MOU will establish two graduate certificates in Wind Power System Operation and Maintenance and Wind Power Economics and Management, bolstering offshore wind workforce training opportunities for college students.   

“As offshore wind developments advance along the East Coast, we must guarantee that our workforce is equipped to meet the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s MOU with NJIT reflects the NJEDA’s commitment to providing high-quality workforce development programs in offshore wind that ensure opportunities for minority and underserved communities. This partnership helps move us closer to Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of creating 11 GW of offshore wind by 2040.”

NJIT’s POWERCERTS Program will address demands for offshore wind training in New Jersey, collaborating closely with the wind industry and the College’s science and engineering departments to offer a robust curriculum. The two graduate certificates established as part of the program will consist of 12 credits, including three core classes and one elective class. Using funding from today’s MOU, POWERCERTS will offer 24 $3,000 scholarships and 24 $4,000 assistantships primarily for students from minority and underrepresented communities to encourage and support their participation in offshore wind workforce training.   

“We are very excited to be working with the NJEDA to establish the NJIT POWERCERTS graduate-certificates program, which will prepare workers to excel in the rapidly growing offshore wind clean energy sector,” said NJIT President Teik C. Lim. “NJIT makes innovations happen, including in the area of environmental sustainability, and this effort will bolster New Jersey’s strength in the clean energy economy.”

To support offshore wind in New Jersey, the NJEDA is developing the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training to accelerate the development of a robust and diverse offshore wind workforce and champion research and innovation to unlock market potential. Today’s MOU is part of a comprehensive strategy to develop several training programs to bolster New Jersey’s offshore wind workforce for thousands of good-paying offshore wind employment opportunities.

“Effective workforce training programs are necessary to prepare future job seekers with the skills they need to thrive in the offshore wind sector,” said NJEDA’s Vice President for Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “NJIT’s POWERCERTS program will prepare graduates for good-paying job opportunities in offshore wind engineering and management, helping keep the state at the forefront of offshore wind energy development.”

The funding provided in today’s MOU is allocated from the NJEDA’s previous MOU with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). Approved in October 2022, the $10 million MOU dedicates funds to support the continued development and execution of offshore wind workforce, education, research, and innovation programs.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Center Will Help Accelerate Innovation, Research and Development, and Entrepreneurship in NJ’s Offshore Wind Industry

TRENTON, N.J. (June 23, 2023) – Today, June 23, 2023, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will issue a Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to identify specific partners, sites, and financial commitments that can contribute to the development of a Wind Innovation Center in New Jersey.

WHAT:            The Wind Innovation Center will help accelerate innovation, research and development, and entrepreneurship in the state’s offshore wind industry. The Center will provide offices, labs, and test sites for its users to conduct research on climate-smart modeling for high performance wind farms; technological solutions for environmental impact assessments; offshore wind transmission and grid integration; and offshore wind component design and production. The RFEI will help NJEDA identify interested parties for the development of the Wind Innovation Center.

WHERE:         The RFEI can be found here.

WHEN:           Responses to the RFEI are due by September 13, 2023 via email to windinstitute@njeda.gov. Questions may be submitted via email no later than August 22, 2023 to windinstitute@njeda.gov.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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