The offshore wind project in New Jersey is facing obstacles, hindering its progress.

Leading Light Wind has requested the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to grant a pause until late December on its plan to construct an offshore wind farm off the coast of Long Beach Island.

In a filing submitted in July and recently posted on the board’s website, the company expressed challenges in finding a manufacturer for turbine blades, leaving them without a supplier currently.

Wes Jacobs, the project director from Invenergy, one of the partners in the project, cited industry-wide shifts in market conditions as the reason for seeking a pause to allow discussions and sourcing of new blade suppliers.

Despite the setback, the company reassured its commitment to delivering the energy project’s benefits to New Jersey, emphasizing economic and environmental advantages.

While the project is on pause, development activities like survey programs and plan preparation will continue, aiming to resume progress once new suppliers are secured.

The challenges faced by Leading Light resonated with opponents of offshore wind projects in New Jersey, highlighting concerns over environmental impact and economic viability.

New Jersey’s ambitions to become a hub for offshore wind face opposition from various groups, citing environmental and financial concerns. However, supporters argue that offshore wind is crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels and combating climate change.

New Jersey’s goals to lead the East Coast in offshore wind development include initiatives like setting up a manufacturing facility to support the industry’s growth.