Written By: Annika Plunkett
Amid a flurry of new restrictions on green energy, a wind farm is being constructed off the coast of Virginia. Since 2013, Dominion Energy, an electric company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia with service to Virginia and the Carolinas, has been hard at work planning and constructing the largest offshore wind project in the United States. The $9.8 billion project, called Construction on Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), is set to finish in 2026 and will have the capacity to power 660,000 homes and generate 2.6 GW of electricity.
The wind farm is part of Dominion Energy’s commitment to deliver 100% of electricity by renewable power sources by 2045, as required under the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act. Construction on the wind farm continues despite a recent executive order from President Trump temporarily ceasing all federal wind leases, with half the turbine monopile foundations installed as of November 2024. In addition to providing a source of clean energy, the wind farm will also benefit the local Hampton Roads economy, creating jobs and economic growth.
Dominion Energy has been mindful in every step of the construction process to minimize environmental damage to the area. Prior to construction, DE conducted over two dozen studies to ensure protection of ocean life and avian species. During construction, they use a bubble curtain to reduce sound waves and monitor underwater sounds in real-time. To further protect marine species, certified Protected Species Observers are on duty during critical operations to watch for marine mammals and sea turtles; work stops whenever an animal is spotted within the area. They also use time-of-year restrictions in order to avoid interfering with marine and avian migrations.
All in all, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm is an exciting project and a step in the right direction for the clean energy transition!
Sources:
https://coastalvawind.com/about-offshore-wind/timeline.aspx
https://coastalvawind.com/partnerships/environmental-stewardship.aspx
https://virginiabusiness.com/dominion-says-offshore-wind-farm-moving-forward-despite-executive-order