New Jersey should continue to pursue a strategy of heavy reliance on clean energy to head off the state’s looming energy shortage, with no increase in natural gas generation, says outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy.

Conference attendees are optimistic that the rapidly rising demand for energy will mean the federal government eventually will have to harness wind power.

New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities awarded $3.4 million in grants to 18 proposals under a new program designed to help municipalities implement clean energy projects.