PAULSBORO, NJ — New Jersey is positioning itself as a nationwide leader in offshore wind energy, bringing with it change and new opportunities. It's anticipated to boost the economy, especially in the tiny borough of Paulsboro, where a manufacturing plant will bring hundreds of new jobs.

Paulsboro, with a population of about 6,000, was once a hub for fossil fuels with the Port of Paulsboro oil refinery. It's slowed down in recent years, losing jobs. But the new monopile factory, creating foundations for wind turbines, will bring those jobs back to the area, officials said. Wtg Wind Turbine

According to the EEW Group, the company behind the EEW American Offshore Structures factory, more than 500 lasting jobs will be created once the factory is fully up and running. Most of these jobs will be painting and welding.

Located at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal, the factory will be the largest offshore wind manufacturing facility in the U.S. to date, according to EEW. The first monopiles will go to Ørsted's Ocean Wind 1 project, off the coast of Ocean City.

Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT), a four-year vocational high school based out of Sewell, plans to add programs that will train students in the specific skills necessary to work at the EEW plant. The school is only 20 minutes away from the factory.

"The offshore wind industry will provide long-term, family-sustaining careers for a new generation of workers in South Jersey," Congressman Donald Norcross said in a New Jersey Economic Development Authority release announcing the plan.

"This is a huge step in getting folks good paying jobs, and hopefully buying homes and living in Paulsboro," Paulsboro Mayor Gary Stevenson said.

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