- The CVOW project by Dominion Energy is set to become the largest offshore wind farm in the nation.
- It is situated 23.5 nautical miles off Virginia Beach.
- The project is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs during both the construction and operation phases.
The government’s dedication to “the clean energy future” was demonstrated by the decision, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. She also added that it would address the climate crisis, reduce energy costs, and generate employment.
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project by Dominion Energy, which is situated 23.5 nautical miles off Virginia Beach, is set to become the largest offshore wind farm in the nation once the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden approves the plan.
Offshore wind project
In addition to generating regional economic development, the project is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs during both the construction and operation phases.
Over half of the five gigawatts of energy that will be supplied to the national grid by the five new offshore wind approvals come from the CVOW, accounting for 2.6 gigawatts of that total.
Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a carbon-free power sector by 2035 are two of the United States’ larger goals, and the country has set a target of 30 gigawatts of wind energy by 2030.
Nevertheless, delays in leasing and permitting projects have hindered the sector. With 25 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2020, Europe’s wind industry is “decades ahead,” according to Wind Europe.
Bob Blue, the chair, president, and CEO of Dominion Energy, stated that the project “continues to move forward on time and budget,” with the 176 turbines being installed starting in 2024 and anticipated to be completed by late 2026.
The approval follows the administration‘s announcement last month that it would auction three new oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico, which infuriated environmental organizations.
