The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) demonstration project has entered the construction phase as the American power and energy company Dominion Energy has formally begun construction.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced the start of construction of the CVOW demonstration project, consisting of two six-megawatt wind turbines located approximately 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach.
"This activity marks the first work at the project site to facilitate interconnection of the two 6-megawatt wind turbines which will power 3,000 homes at peak. Wind is part of a broader effort to deliver renewable energy, including solar, as we honor our commitment to reduce carbon emissions," said a press release from Dominion Energy.
Commercial scale offshore wind development would have the potential to power 500,000 homes with more than 2,000 MW of zero-carbon, renewable energy. Dominion Energy anticipates $1.1 billion in offshore wind investments through 2023.
"These onshore construction activities are another major milestone in our plan to bring offshore wind to the Commonwealth and are a sign of our commitment to bring more renewable energy to our customers," said Dominion Energy Chairman, President and CEO Thomas F. Farrell, II.
"The Virginia offshore wind demonstration project is another powerful example of the Commonwealth's position as a leader in renewable energy," said Gov. Northam. "As the first deployment of commercial-scale offshore wind turbines in federal waters, I am thrilled that Virginia's project will help determine best practices for future offshore wind construction along the East Coast."
The project was announced two years ago and is the only fully permitted offshore wind project in US federal waters. Last November, the State Corporation Commission approved the project and the majority of required permits and approvals have been received.
Ørsted, the offshore wind developer headquartered in Denmark, has been contracted for the offshore portion of the project.