CORK, IRELAND – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Ørsted, the global leader in renewable energy,  today hosted an expert panel discussion highlighting the importance of renewable energy projects. The panel discussed the immediate need to accelerate renewal energy project to ensure energy security. The Future Of Clean Energy: Harnessing Partnerships and Policy event, which took place in University College Cork (UCC) today, was organized as part of Governor Murphy’s economic mission to Ireland to strengthen economic and cultural ties and promote business investments in New Jersey.

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 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 and Managing Director of Ørsted in Ireland 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.”

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.”

Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit economic development organisation, added, “The global clean energy industry is quickly recognizing New Jersey as a leader in climate action and offshore wind energy production. Under Governor Murphy’s visionary 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 supporting the economy of the future, and we look forward to working with more domestic and international clean energy businesses to help them establish themselves here in New Jersey.”