Virginia is making significant strides in renewable energy as Dominion Energy advances its commercial-scale offshore wind installation. This new effort builds on a prior pilot project with two turbines that started operating in October 2020. The new plant is expected to be a major new player in the state’s electricity generating mix.
Once up and running, the commercial-scale installation is expected to produce enough electricity to power 660,000 homes. This ambitious project marks another major step in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s transition towards a cleaner, more renewable energy portfolio and away from a fossil fuel-dependent future.
Over 800 Virginia workers are currently engaged in every aspect of the project. Their commitment underscores the deep talent of the local workforce focused on moving this breakthrough initiative forward. The project will produce more than 1,000 jobs for long-term maintenance and operations. This is intended to occur once the facility opens its doors for operations. This job creation is a critical component of our strategy to recover our region’s competitive advantage in economic growth. Yet, at the same time, we’re advancing clean energy solutions.
With construction on the onshore transmission infrastructure starting in late 2023, that milestone will be a notable step in the development timeline. This third phase is extremely important. It provides stability and assurance that the energy produced by the massive offshore turbines can be safely and efficiently transmitted to the onshore grid and delivered to consumers’ homes.
With onshore preparations now complete, offshore development is scheduled to start in early 2024. This first phase will see the installation of hundreds of turbines placed far off the coast, positioned to capture wind most effectively. The project team is aiming to complete the work by late 2026. Their leadership and advocacy efforts will lead the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in Virginia.