By Renewable Energy Focus staff

The proposed offshore wind projects total around 12.5 GW, with each project ranging from 350 MW to 3 GW. The leasing area encompasses 418 square nautical miles between Barnegat Light and Avalon.

"Development of clean wind power and solar energy is a top priority for Governor Chris Christie and is a key component of the state's energy future," says Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin.

"This robust response from offshore wind developers makes it clear that commercial interest in development of wind turbines is strong. It also solidifies New Jersey's role as a national leader in the development of green energy that will provide jobs, economic growth and cleaner air while reducing carbon dioxide emissions."

The US Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a Federal notice, known as a Call for Information and Nominations earlier this year, to gauge developers' interest in leasing portions of the outer continental shelf off New Jersey for offshore wind projects.

The firms submitting project nominations are: Offshore MW LLC; Neptune Wind LLC; Garden State Offshore Wind Energy I LLC; Bluewater Wind New Jersey Energy LLC; TCI Renewables Inc.; Mainstream Renewable Power; enXco Development Corp.; US Wind Inc.; New Jersey Offshore Wind LLC; Fishermen's Energy of New Jersey LLC; and Iberdrola Rewewables Inc.