ROUNDUP: Virginia Conservation Network Celebrates Next Step for Offshore Wind Energy
Monopile delivery for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind energy project. Image credit: Southeastern Wind Coalition
BOEM Publishes Record of Decision for Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project has taken the next step towards completion! The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued its Record of Decision to approve the construction and operation of 176 wind turbines 23.5 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. This kicks off the 90-day approval period of the construction plan, which we expect BOEM to approve on January 29th, 2024, allowing Virginia to move forward with the construction of the largest offshore wind project in the country.
This milestone solidifies Virginia’s position as a leader in the offshore wind energy industry and in the fight against climate change. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will replace 2.6 gigawatts of fossil fuel energy – meaning less carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, reduced need for fossil fuel development like pipelines and natural gas plants, and fewer fossil fuels leaking into our drinking water. Offshore wind is a significant part of Virginia’s transition to clean, renewable energy.
We have a responsibility to future generations to reduce pollution and invest in new, clean renewable energy. In addition to the environmental benefits, Virginia is well-positioned for economic growth from the project. According to a 2020 study, CVOW will support:
- Approximately 1,000 jobs in the Commonwealth, particularly in the Hampton Roads region
- $210 million in economic output
- $6 million in revenues for local governments
- $5 million in Virginia state tax revenues.
- Protection against blackouts
- Stable energy prices
What’s Next for Virginia’s Offshore Wind Energy Project
Offshore wind energy specialists inspect the monopile delivery. Image credit: Southeastern Wind Coalition
Construction for the project will begin in May 2024, stopping for the North Atlantic right whale migration season each year. In the meantime, monopiles, or wind turbine parts, have started to arrive! In total, CVOW will receive 176 monopile foundations that are up to 83 meters long, weigh 1,538 tons, and have a diameter of up to 9.5 meters.
Statements from the Conservation Community
Virginia Conservation Network Partners released the following statements celebrating Virginia’s offshore wind energy progress. Check back for more statements.
Last updated: October 31st, 2023.
Virginia Conservation Network
“The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is on track to bolster the Commonwealth’s clean energy sector, create high-paying green jobs, and advance our shared carbon-free energy goals. Offshore wind stands as a pivotal resource in our global fight against climate change. With CVOW in motion, Virginia is taking the lead in utilizing wind energy to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and reduce harmful air pollution.” – Lillian Anderson, Clean Energy & Climate Justice Policy & Campaigns Manager
Chesapeake Climate Action Network
“This is a historic moment for our Commonwealth. Offshore wind is the lynch pin of Virginia’s clean energy transition and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW) is a testament to the economic opportunity afforded to all Virginians by a robust investment in clean, zero-carbon electricity. CVOW ushers in the age of clean energy, clean air, and a new economy for our coast.” – Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director
Lynnhaven River NOW
“The electricity generated by the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project (CVOW) will contribute significantly to the goal of 100% renewable energy generation in Virginia. CVOW is bringing well-paying green energy jobs to the Commonwealth and helping us do our part in combating climate change. We celebrate this important milestone and look forward to seeing this project continue to progress.” – Karen W. Forget, Executive Director
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter
“The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project stands as a proud testament to Virginians’ decade-long campaign for this massive renewable energy resource that not only helps us confront the climate crisis but also supports tremendous job creation and economic opportunities for so many Virginians, especially in disadvantaged communities.” – Eileen Woll, Offshore Energy Program Director
Southern Environmental Law Center
“The CVOW project will significantly reduce Dominion’s reliance on coal and methane gas and also means cost savings for customers. We are glad the project continues to move forward in a way that is going to bring Virginians more wind power, while balancing the need to protect the state’s natural resources as the project takes shape.” – Will Cleveland, Senior Attorney
Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action
“Replacing polluting, fossil fuel-based energy sources with clean, renewable energy from the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project will improve the health of all Virginians. This landmark achievement in the Commonwealth’s transition to a clean energy economy will improve air quality, help reduce global warming, and protect the health and safety of current and future Virginians.” – Dr. Samantha Ahdoot, Chair
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
“Virginia’s truly reached a clean energy milestone and we wouldn’t be here without the Biden Administration’s leadership on renewable energy and the visionary policies enacted by the General Assembly in 2020 and 2021 … This project is a milestone, but is hopefully the first of many to come – we must do everything we can to transition to a clean and just energy future and offshore wind will play an outsized role as we commit to 100 percent clean electricity by mid-century.” – Michael Town, Executive Director