New Jersey board cancels offshore wind energy contract solicitation
New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities has canceled its fourth solicitation for offshore wind energy contracts, marking a setback for the state's offshore wind industry and the Atlantic Shores project. The decision was influenced by uncertainties from federal actions and Shell's withdrawal as an equity partner. The Atlantic Shores project, which aimed to power over 700,000 homes, is now unlikely to begin construction as planned in 2025. Without a power purchase agreement, the project cannot proceed, and the developer may seek buyers in other states. This cancellation follows a series of challenges for New Jersey's offshore wind efforts, including Ørsted's withdrawal from two projects and delays from other developers. The state's commitment to offshore wind, first set in 2018, faces increasing uncertainty.