The previous target was already the most aggressive in the US, as New Jersey plans to get 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
"Our offshore wind industry will generate billions of dollars in investments in New Jersey’s future that will, in turn, create thousands of jobs," said state governor Phil Murphy.
"We have an immense opportunity to maximise our potential and make this region — and, specifically New Jersey — the nexus of the global offshore wind industry," he added.
Liz Burdock, CEO of the Business Network for Offshore Wind lobby group said that doubling of New Jersey’s offshore wind target would encourage investment in US businesses and drive down electricity costs.
"Currently, East Coast states have contracted a combined 8,240MW of offshore wind electricity generation. These projects are currently under development, and will have "steel in the water" by 2026. There is no doubt that the US offshore wind industry is moving forward because of strong State leadership and commitment," Burdock said.
"We welcome that challenge and responsibility. Now it’s up to the developers, manufacturers, regulators, suppliers and skilled labor force to make it happen," Burdock added.
At the bill signing, governor Murphy was flanked by former vice president Al Gore, a climate and green-energy advocate.
"As our federal government abdicates its responsibility to confront the climate crisis, our transition to a clean energy future is being led by states like New Jersey," Gore said.
In early November, the White House filed paperwork to end the US’s participation in the Paris Climate Agreement.
The state’s offshore sector is already gaining momentum. In June, Ørsted was selected by state regulators as the preferred bidder for a 20-year contract with its 1.1GW Ocean Wind project.
Ørsted is set to establish an operations and maintenance base in nearby Atlantic City.
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