Through innovative programs, technical support, policy development and scientific research, the Bureau of Energy and Coordination and its various offices supports efforts to reduce the State's criteria pollutant emissions and greenhouse gas emissions by helping New Jersey move toward a clean energy future.

Specifically, the Bureau of Energy and Coordination supports other DEP programs that promote energy efficiency and clean energy; works with other state agencies to quantify the greenhouse gas reductions that result from their programs, and provides technical assistance to help prioritize those clean energy projects that represent the wisest use of taxpayer dollars. Reaching beyond state government, the Bureau of Energy and Coordination works with New Jersey colleges and universities as well as regional and national working groups to advance the use of clean energy and fuels.  New Jersey promotes increased use of natural gas combined cycle generation, which maximizes useful output of generation facilities and minimizes environmental impacts, and works hand-in-hand with intermittent renewable energy sources (like solar and wind) to provide reliable electricity supply.  Combined heat and power facilities,  MW for MW, yield approximately three times the carbon reduction benefit of PV solar and,  in comparing the State’s investment in dollars per ton of CO2 displaced, CHP  has received roughly 1/20th the financial support of PV solar.  Reducing energy use and replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources are key strategies for meeting air quality goals and the greenhouse gas limit required by the NJ Global Warming Response Act.  Specific energy-related activities of the Bureau of Energy and Coordination include:

• Encouraging Development of Renewable Energy
  Use of renewable energy for electricity, transportation and space heating reduces reliance on the fossil fuels that contribute to criteria pollutant emissions and GHG emissions. New Jersey’s RPS requires that a portion of the state’s energy needs be met with renewable sources.  The Bureau of Energy and Coordination helps the state move toward that goal, by:
  
  
• Supporting the BPU’s NJ Clean Energy Program. Provides environmental consultation services by monitoring environmental benefits and calculating the greenhouse reductions that result from energy savings.
  
  
• Evaluating innovative technologies. Evaluates emerging and innovative renewable energy technologies that show great promise for addressing the climate challenge.

• Conducting sustainability determinations. Conducts evaluations to assure that Class I biomass renewable energy projects (http://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/technologies/biopower/biopower) seeking BPU renewable energy generation credit meet New Jersey's standards for sustainability, reduce greenhouse gases over their entire lifecycle and minimize negative environmental impacts.
  
  
• Conducting “Highest Environmental Standards” determinations. Coordinates the NJDEP verification of projects that convert municipal solid waste into energy to ensure Class II renewable projects meet New Jersey’s clean air and solid waste standards.

• Supporting the NJ Energy Master Plan.  The following efforts support the successful implementation of the Energy Master Plan, which is critical if the state is to meet the goals of the EMP and 2020 greenhouse gas limit required by New Jersey law:
  
  
• Promoting Combined Heat & Power. Helps both BPU and EDA evaluate applications for financial incentives for Combined Heat & Power installations. Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source, such as: natural gas, biomass, biogas, coal, waste heat, or oil.
  
  
• Researching and facilitating renewable energy use. Coordinates with the DEP Office of Permit Coordination and Environmental Review to help developers of new renewable energy projects get necessary and timely information about the permitting process.
  
  
• Supporting green manufacturing. Conducts technical reviews of applications for the NJ Economic Development Authority grants to companies that manufacture products used for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

• Reducing Waste & Recovering Energy. Works in partnership with the DEP Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Program to develop and implement climate-friendly waste management strategies, and participate in the development and implementation of the “NEWMOA Climate – Waste Action Plan to Support State Efforts.” NEWMOA (Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association) is an interstate association composed of solid waste, hazardous waste, site cleanup and pollution prevention programs of member states.