Ocean Wind, a joint venture between Orsted and PSEG, and steel tube maker EEW have opened New Jersey’s first offshore wind generation facility.

In December 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a $ 250 million ($ 208 million) investment in the new monopile manufacturing plant located at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal.

Construction of the facility will be completed under a Project Working Agreement (PLA) with the South Jersey Building Trades Council.

This will ensure that jobs created during the construction phase will be filled by local New Jersey union workers who will use the highest level of industry standards, according to Orsted.

Construction activities include clearing and grading of the 28 hectare site, reinforcement to increase the bearing capacity of the quay to accommodate the 2,500 ton monopiles and the construction of two large buildings that will support circumferential welding, sandblasting of sand and paint.

In an effort to provide the most economical benefits to the state, EEW has contracted with more than 30 New Jersey companies to support design, permits, site work and concrete.

When completed, the state-of-the-art facility will manufacture monopiles to power the 1,100 MW ocean-going wind farm off the south coast of New Jersey.

The EEW facility will create up to 260 jobs during the first phase of construction and manufacturing.

The facility is a key asset to the state and, in addition to supplying Ocean Wind, it will serve the burgeoning US offshore wind industry for years to come.

Governor Murphy said: “Positioning New Jersey as a national leader in the offshore wind industry and developing our offshore wind capabilities have been key priorities for my administration from day one.

“As the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date, the Paulsboro marine terminal will be a significant driving force for the state’s economy and will create hundreds of well-paying union jobs in southern Jersey.

“Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and today’s revolution marks a monumental step forward in propelling New Jersey’s clean energy economy for generations to come.

David Hardy, General Manager for Orsted North America Offshore, said, “This is a significant milestone for our Ocean Wind project and the State of New Jersey.

“We have been able to deliver on our commitment to the State of New Jersey, and in doing so, we are helping to position the state as the premier supply chain center for the US offshore wind industry.”