Progress on an offshore wind project has temporarily lost its gust as New Jersey has paused the project through late December over manufacturing hurdles.
The project, called Leading Light Wind, is set to build an offshore wind farm made up of 100 turbines around 40 miles off Long Beach Island, generating enough power for up to 1 million homes.
However, the project hit a snag this week as developers Invenergy and energyRe struggle to find a supplier for the turbines’ necessary blades, according to the Associated Press.
The delay was approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which insisted it would allow the project to move forward.
Difficulties in securing blades for the wind turbines have been ongoing for months. GE Vernova, one of the top turbine manufacturers in the world, revealed earlier this year that it would not announce the turbines developers planned to use. At the same time, manufacturer Vestas was not deemed suitable to partner with, while Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy said it would be increasing its prices.
“We are committed in New Jersey to our offshore wind goals,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of the utilities board. “This action will allow Invenergy to find a suitable wind turbine supplier. We look forward to delivering on the project that will help grow our clean energy workforce and contribute to clean energy generation for the state.”
While the wind energy project has been left without a supplier for its critical turbine components, Invenergy has said advancements on the project will not stop.
“The stay enables continued discussions with the BPU and supply chain partners regarding the industrywide market shifts,” the company said. “We will continue to advance project development activities during this time.”
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State Republicans have staunchly opposed the project, particularly those representing parts of the Jersey Shore. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) in January, urging the Democrat to “drop your unrealistic Green New Deal agenda before you cause irreversible damage to our state’s economy, thriving ocean-based industries, and delicate marine ecosystems,” according to the New York Times.
Some environmentalist groups have also voiced criticism, including Clean Ocean Action, which has said the project puts marine life and ecosystems at risk.