Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm set for construction following federal approvals

Dominion Energy has reached a pivotal moment, receiving the final major federal approvals necessary for the commencement of its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. This 2.6-gigawatt wind farm, poised to be the largest in the United States, is on track to provide clean, renewable energy to approximately 660,000 homes by late 2026.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has granted its final nod to the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) of CVOW, greenlighting offshore construction. Complementing this, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its permit, facilitating impacts to U.S. waters, including the path of the transmission line connecting the offshore energy to the onshore grid.

Bob Blue, Dominion Energy’s Chair, President, and CEO, remarked on Virginia’s pioneering role in offshore wind. He highlighted the regulatory approvals’ significance in keeping CVOW both on schedule and within budget, emphasizing the company’s dedication to providing reliable, affordable, and clean energy.

The CVOW project is set to bring transformative economic and job benefits, particularly to Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Already, over 750 Virginia-based workers, including nearly 530 in Hampton Roads, are engaged in the project. Activities range from redevelopment at Portsmouth Marine Terminal to the construction of the offshore wind Monitoring and Coordination Center. Post-completion, over 1,000 local jobs are anticipated for ongoing operations and maintenance.

Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, and Representative Bobby Scott jointly praised the project’s progress. They acknowledged the cooperative effort between the Biden administration, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Dominion Energy, underscoring their commitment to Virginia’s green energy future.

CVOW will feature 176 turbines and three offshore substations over a 113,000-acre lease area off Virginia Beach’s coast. Onshore construction activities began in November 2023, following BOEM’s favorable Record of Decision, and will escalate with these recent approvals. Initial offshore construction, including export cable and monopile foundation installation, is expected to commence in the second quarter of this year.

Dominion Energy’s CVOW project represents a significant advancement in the U.S.’s commitment to renewable energy. The federal approvals mark a crucial step in realizing the vision of a large-scale offshore wind farm that can substantially contribute to the nation’s clean energy mix. This project not only exemplifies innovative green technology but also underscores the growing importance of renewable energy sources in achieving energy independence and sustainability goals.