Research and Monitoring Inititative (RMI)

New Jersey’s near shore and offshore waters are biologically diverse and rich with fisheries and other species as well as habitat that provide important natural resource and economic value to the State and its residents.

While New Jersey has studied these resources, the introduction of new onshore and offshore development related to offshore wind projects introduces new variables into both the natural and economic environment that must be well studied and understood as offshore wind developments are constructed, operated, and decommissioned. Accordingly, conducting ongoing research and monitoring to assess the effects of the offshore wind industry on the distribution and abundance of wildlife and fisheries resources is a priority for New Jersey.

To facilitate a shared understanding of these effects, offshore wind developers are required to commit financial and technical support to regional monitoring and research initiatives that explore the impact of the introduction of offshore wind projects on environmental conditions, wildlife, and fisheries. Specifically, each Applicant must commit to a fee of $10,000 per megawatt of Qualified Project nameplate capacity.

Wind Institute Fellowship Program

The Wind Institute’s Fellowship Program provides financial support to undergraduate, masters and Ph.D. students at NJ universities conducting research in offshore wind.

The fellows conduct their research at their home universities under a faculty advisor and then the Wind Institute team organizes monthly cohort meetings to further their comprehensive understanding of the offshore wind industry.

These meetings range from site visits to developer updates, interactive workshops, and more. Currently, there are eight participating universities, with a total of 40 fellows, who are a part of the program: Rowan University, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Seton Hall University, Stockton University, and Stevens Institute of Technology.