JCP&L Aims To Minimize Environmental And Customer Impacts Of Offshore Wind Energy
Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., submitted a proposal to connect clean energy generated by New Jersey’s offshore wind farms to the power grid. The plan, which supports significant investments in clean energy driven by the New Jersey Energy Master Plan, is designed to connect future offshore wind farms while minimizing the impact on the environment and communities.
In its proposal to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and PJM Interconnection, JCP&L outlined a comprehensive transmission system investment program that would connect enough offshore wind energy to power nearly 2.5 million homes. The power from offshore wind farms would be delivered to JCP&L’s electric grid from new offshore transmission infrastructure built by Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development, LLC, a new transmission asset owned by Shell New Energies US, LLC and EDF Renewables North America. JCP&L would then carry the electricity to existing substations, where it will enter the grid.
Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development’s proposal, made in cooperation with JCP&L’s plan, utilizes their expertise in offshore transmission to offer an open access solution that is scalable to meet the growing demands of the New Jersey offshore wind market. If the proposals are accepted, FirstEnergy has the option to acquire an equity stake in Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development.
“The state of New Jersey is committed to being the nation’s leader in clean energy, and we are committed to playing an important role in that, for the benefit of our customers and the residents of the Garden State,” said James V. Fakult, president of JCP&L. “By utilizing existing transmission infrastructure and rights-of-way, our plan offers a cost-effective solution that minimizes environmental and customer impacts, enhances grid resilience, and was developed with the communities we serve in mind.”
In their proposal, 100% of JCP&L’s transmission involvement would utilize existing infrastructure or rights-of-way, resulting in no greenfield development. Additionally, existing transmission lines and substations would be upgraded, enhancing reliability for New Jersey customers. JCP&L’s solution will be implemented over a period of eight years to align with the planned schedule for offshore wind procurements.
The New Jersey Energy Master Plan outlines key strategies to achieve the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. In support of those strategies, JCP&L also has submitted a proposal for a program of incentives that will support and encourage the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure — accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles while providing benefits for JCP&L’s residential, commercial, and industrial customers — and submitted an energy efficiency plan that aids in cutting peak energy demand and reducing the energy its consumers use.
Protecting and preserving the environment is also a key part of JCP&L’s mission and business strategy. The company has twice been named to the New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry by the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection and has been honored with an Environmental Leadership Award by The Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and COMMERCE Magazine.
