Offshore wind developer Attentive Energy has proposed two clean energy investments totaling $10.6 million to advance New Jersey’s innovation supply chain and support small ocean-based technology startups.
The announcement was made during an innovation and small business gathering held Nov. 20 in partnership with blue tech innovation leader SeaAhead and the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) at Monmouth County’s Brookdale Community College.
As part of its Attentive Energy Two (AE2) project, designed to help New Jersey meet its nation-leading offshore wind targets, Attentive Energy has proposed two investments, contingent on approval of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. These investments include:
- $6.6 million to anchor SeaAhead’s Mid-Atlantic New Jersey operations to launch a cross-sector innovation cluster, deliver multiple clean energy pilots, and promote equity and access in innovation.
- $4 million to deliver technical support to small and diverse businesses at 11 regional New Jersey Small Business Development Centers across the state – with key investments at Monmouth County’s Brookdale Community College.
“The Attentive Energy Two team is proud to partner with SeaAhead and NJSBDC to support innovation and opportunities for small and diverse businesses in New Jersey,” said Damian Bednarz, managing director at Attentive Energy. “Localizing and diversifying the supply chain has been at the forefront of Attentive Energy’s mission which includes promoting equality of economic opportunities and eliminating barriers to participation.”
Alissa Peterson, SeaAhead’s co-founder and CEO, said “SeaAhead is thrilled to partner with Attentive Energy to “foster a thriving ecosystem of startups that support responsible and inclusive offshore wind industry growth.”
“With Attentive’s successful proposal, we will expand from Boston into New Jersey, catalyzing blue tech startup growth, engaging stakeholders and conducting pilot projects, which will drive innovation and economic growth in the state,” Peterson said.
Kelly Brozyna, state director and CEO at NJSBDC, underscored the NJSBDC’s expertise with procurement, certification, and the actual application process, especially for small businesses in underserved communities that may not be aware of this opportunity.
“We will be targeting women, minority, Veterans, and the LGBTQ businesses with our expertise to give them a step up with doing business on this project,” Brozyna said. “As the official technical assistance provider, consulting and training will be offered to help the businesses’ success.”
About Attentive Energy Two
AE2, joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corio Generation, is an offshore wind project designed to help New Jersey meet its offshore wind targets and expand upon the State’s foundational offshore wind investments. Approximately 42 miles from its nearest point in New Jersey, the project will power over 600,000 homes with clean renewable energy.
