Attentive Energy Two launches community advisory boards to advance local engagement on offshore wind opportunities 

Media contact: Karen Imas, Attentive Energy: karen.imas@totalenergies.com 

ELIZABETH, N.J. & PAULSBORO, N.J., December 14, 2023 – Offshore wind developer Attentive Energy has proposed the creation of two pilot Community Advisory Boards – one representing Gloucester and Salem Counties and one representing Union County – as part of its Attentive Energy Two (AE2) project, designed to help New Jersey meet its nation-leading offshore wind targets. 

During well-attended roundtable discussions in December with community leaders representing Elizabeth, Paulsboro, and Salem, Attentive Energy Two announced a partnership that will provide $275,000 in funding over three years to support the establishment of the offshore wind Community Advisory Boards, contingent upon award of the project by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.  

Comprised of representatives from diverse community interests, the Boards will serve a two-fold purpose: 

• To support the inclusion of the local communities into the offshore wind industry by connecting them to New Jersey economic and workforce development programs. The partnership will also include a micro-grant program offering resources to local organizations advancing environmental justice and offshore wind workforce development pathways.  
• To increase active community participation in project development by providing a platform for community members and groups to discuss local needs and questions with the local offshore wind industry. 

The Boards will also work with AE2’s leadership to create a feedback process to capture local priorities and share information with residents on the development of New Jersey’s offshore wind industry.    

During the roundtables, Attentive Energy Two provided participants a detailed overview of the offshore wind sector, related technology and project development, supply chain and economic development, and the environmental impetus for the industry. Attentive Energy Two will concurrently work with local partners throughout the State to set up other Boards in the near future.  

Damian Bednarz, Managing Director of Attentive Energy: “We have always believed that offshore wind development starts within our communities, so we’re thrilled to partner with the organizations and local leaders in Gloucester, Salem, and Union counties to establish a genuine dialogue and communication channels that will serve this growing industry in the years ahead. We are committed to maintaining strong local partnerships in offshore wind that support economic development, family-sustaining careers, and quality of life across New Jersey.” 

Jennifer Costa, President and CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce: “As President and CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, I extend a warm welcome to Attentive Energy Two as one of our newest esteemed members. Our recent engagement in preliminary meetings with stakeholders signifies a crucial step in fostering collaboration and innovation in this new emerging sector. We acknowledge the immense value in establishing a Community Advisory Board, an initiative that emphasizes inclusivity and empowerment within Elizabeth, N.J. Through collective efforts and strategic funding, we aim to elevate our community, harnessing diverse perspectives to drive sustainable progress and prosperity for all.”   

Captain Timi Lindsay, US Navy (Retired), CEO, Anchor Leadership Solutions: “The introduction of clean energy to Paulsboro and Salem communities brings more than the necessary environmental change needed. The transformation also presents a dramatic shift to our economic, employment, educational and societal disparities, where we will optimize from the benefits this industry presents. I am confident in Attentive Energy Two’s ability to bring this change to fruition, and I look forward to serving on its Advisory Committee to move towards change.” 

Crystal A. Orr, President/CEO, Urban League of Union County: “I am excited to work with Attentive Energy Two as they establish their presence and advisory boards in New Jersey. As a nonprofit organization, it’s important for us to partner with companies now so we can help educate residents about offshore wind, understand the impact it will have on our communities, and prepare people for future potential career opportunities.” 

Tay Walker, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Gloucester County: “We have been so impressed with Attentive Energy Two’s commitment to the families of Paulsboro and in our case particularly the young people of Paulsboro. They have invested time and resources in building a coalition that can make a real difference to this community. The roundtable event was yet more evidence of this commitment. In the short time we have worked together with Attentive Energy Two, they have come through on all their promises and more! They have provided not only financial resources, but educational and mentoring opportunities for our youth. Their name reflects their actions. They are truly attentive to the needs of the communities they serve.”   

Betsy McBride, Executive Director of Stand Up for Salem, a community development corporation in Salem City: “Salem County is uniquely positioned to become an important and economically vital offshore wind hub. The intersection of offshore wind development, maritime ports, and economic development, including investment in workforce development facilities in the city, will be critical in bringing renewable energy and maritime jobs to South Jersey.” 

Glenn O. Vickers II, Managing Director, MRV Group: “Meaningful and measurable engagement with business and community stakeholders is critically important to build capacity to achieve New Jersey’s offshore wind local content requirements that include the growth of New Jersey small/diverse businesses and job creation. These proposed investments will further empower the residents of Elizabeth, Paulsboro, and Salem to improve their quality of life through the environmental, supply chain, and workforce opportunities the offshore wind industry is creating across the state.”  

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About Attentive Energy Two 

AE2 is an offshore wind project designed to help New Jersey meet its nation- leading offshore wind targets and will strengthen and expand upon the State’s foundational offshore wind investments. Attentive Energy has developed a holistic offshore wind proposal, informed by engagement with hundreds of stakeholders over four years, that will create economic opportunities statewide reaching all 21 counties. Approximately 42 miles from its nearest point in New Jersey, the project will power over 600,000 homes with clean renewable energy. As a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corio Generation, a partnership representing one of the largest offshore wind portfolios in the world, AE2 is uniquely positioned and committed to delivering this major offshore wind project for New Jersey. For more information, please visit  www.attentiveenergy.com/attentiveenergytwo.  

About TotalEnergies 

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in nearly 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people. 

About Corio Generation 

Corio Generation is a specialist global offshore wind developer and a portfolio company of Macquarie Asset Management operating on a standalone basis. Corio has one of the world’s largest offshore wind project pipelines, with over 30 GW at various stages of development across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.