Offshore wind workers celebrate the arrival of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project’s monopiles, which serve as the foundation of wind turbines in October 2023.

Virginia’s offshore wind energy industry continues to build the Commonwealth’s reputation (and economy) as the leader of one of the fastest-growing clean energy sectors in the world with the announcement of a supporting cable manufacturing facility in the City of Chesapeake. LS GreenLink USA, Inc. is investing $681 million to build a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cable manufacturing facility.

With the announcement, Virginia’s offshore wind energy industry continues to prove that its value is not only in displacing fossil fuels with a massive source of clean, renewable energy.  Offshore wind energy is also a vital driver of economic development, contributing to Virginia’s workforce development, economic growth, and technological innovation. Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project is currently under construction and is already creating steady, good-paying union jobs for the Hampton Roads region.

“Today’s announcement is more proof that Virginia is succeeding in capturing the real-world benefits of the offshore wind industry. Building a robust domestic supply chain is essential to the growth of the U.S. offshore wind industry. We’re excited to see Virginian communities continuing to benefit from the economic opportunities this new industry brings,” -said Managing Director of the Southeastern Wind Coalition, Julia Pendleton

Cables are a critical piece of equipment for offshore wind projects: HVDC cables are used to transport the energy generated by wind turbines to substations both onshore and offshore. The supportive submarine cable manufacturing facility will create over 330 full-time jobs in the area. The announcement drew bipartisan accolades from local, state, and federal officials. 

“LS GreenLink’s investment in Virginia will showcase the Commonwealth as a leader in offshore wind industry manufacturing. LS GreenLink has recognized that Virginia has the skilled talent, world-class logistics location, and business environment that will allow it to serve its growing global customers for submarine power cables,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin

Virginia Conservation Network has continuously called for the responsible development of the offshore wind industry through every major milestone. As a thought leader, Virginia’s offshore wind sector must set a strong precedent for cost-effective renewable energy projects, establish a commitment to consumer and worker protections, and advance an equitable and inclusive workforce and economic opportunities as quickly as responsible development allows. 

Our Partners at the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter entered into a settlement agreement with Dominion Energy for their Economic Development Plan for the project. The settlement will improve diversity, equity, and inclusive hiring practices for jobs related to the offshore wind project. Virginia must ensure the same commitment is applied to all sectors of the offshore wind energy industry, including cable manufacturing, to guarantee Virginia’s thought leadership in the industry.