Phil Murphy and Ørsted host expert panel to discuss renewable energy

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Ørsted, the global leader in renewable energy, hosted an expert panel discussion highlighting the importance of renewable energy projects. The panel discussed the immediate need to accelerate renewable energy projects to ensure energy security.

The Future of Clean Energy: Harnessing Partnerships and Policy event, which took place at University College Cork (UCC), was organised as part of Governor Murphy’s economic mission to Ireland to strengthen economic and cultural ties and promote business investments in New Jersey.

Potential of Offshore Wind Energy

Commenting on the shared experience of New Jersey and Ireland when it comes to the potential of offshore wind energy, Governor Murphy said: “New Jersey is already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change, and we must meet these challenges with bold, intentional action. Through my Administration, New Jersey has one of the most aggressive solicitation schedules for the offshore wind industry, setting a goal of 7,500 megawatts by 2035.

“There is no other renewable energy resource that provides us with the electric generation or the economic growth potential of offshore wind. To aid our efforts, we are constructing an offshore wind component manufacturing facility and also building the New Jersey Wind Port, which will make us the logistics hub for the offshore wind industry along the entirety of the eastern United States.”

“In addition to creating the infrastructure necessary to achieve our goals, we have also established critical job training programs and are building a diverse workforce to support good-paying jobs. We are taking on these efforts not just because we know it’s the right thing for our planet’s long-term sustainability, but it’s also the smart thing to do for New Jersey’s long-term economic viability.”

Kieran White, VP Ørsted Europe Onshore, said: “With the climate crisis and rising energy costs continuing to dominate headlines, the time for action on the clean energy transition is now. The Irish Government has set a target for 80% of electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2030. For these targets to be met, we need significant investment in new infrastructure, more dedicated resources and targeted reforms to our planning and regulatory frameworks in order to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy projects. Events such as today are also vital, leveraging strategic partnerships globally to share information, learnings and experiences.”

Renewable Energy

Mr White added: “Renewable energy generated from the sustainable resources we have access to right here in Ireland delivers long-term energy security at an affordable cost. The technologies required to achieve this transformation already exist – it is now up to the policymakers, businesses and individuals to take decisive action to enable that shift.”

President & CEO of Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit economic development organisation, Wesley Mathews added: “The global clean energy industry is quickly recognising New Jersey as a leader in climate action and offshore wind. Because of Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey will be greener, and our economy will thrive as companies like Ørsted invest in historic clean energy projects. Choose New Jersey is focused on growing our state’s clean energy sector, and we look forward to working with more domestic and international clean energy businesses to help them set up shop here in New Jersey.”

Topics discussed and debated at the event included lessons learned to date in the transition to clean energy, how organisations can realistically reach net-zero, where investment is needed, and how government policy can support a decarbonised energy system. Other panellists included Dr Hannah Daly, lecturer in sustainable energy systems modelling at UCC, Dave Linehan, Head of Research at Wind Energy Ireland, and Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The event was moderated by Dr Paul Deane, Research Fellow at Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI), the Science Foundation Ireland research centre for Energy, Climate and Marine research and innovation.

Attendees included over 35 delegates from New Jersey as well as representatives from local industry organisations.