Posted on November 6, 2024
The CVOW project, located 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, is set to generate 2.6 gigawatts of clean energy by 2026, with ongoing construction on track and on budget.
Dominion Energy has announced that it completed the first installation season of its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, successfully installing 78 monopile foundations and four substation foundations on the seafloor. This achievement surpassed the initial target of 70 monopiles, positioning CVOW as a key player in the future of U.S. offshore wind. When completed, the project will be the largest in the country, featuring 176 turbines capable of generating enough energy to power 660,000 homes.
Located 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, this 2.6 gigawatt project is on schedule and within budget, with full completion expected by late 2026.
Over the next few months, Dominion Energy will focus on laying offshore substations, cable installation, and onshore transmission development. These foundational steps will prepare CVOW for turbine installation, set to begin in 2025.
“Our Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project shows that regulated offshore wind works in the United States,” said Robert M. Blue, Dominion Energy’s chair, president, and CEO. “Offshore wind is critical to our diverse, all-of-the-above generation mix to keep the lights on for our customers with affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean energy.”
Foundations for a Sustainable Future
Installing these monopile foundations marks a major feat in the project’s progress. Manufactured by EEW SPC and staged at Portsmouth Marine Terminal, these steel structures are embedded into the seafloor, providing the necessary support for the turbines, which Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy will supply. Monopile placements will resume in May 2025 as Dominion remains committed to its on-time, phased construction schedule.
Beyond environmental gains, CVOW is projected to deliver substantial financial benefits for customers, with anticipated fuel savings of $3 billion over its first decade of operation. Offshore wind offers Virginia a reliable, long-term energy source that can enhance the state’s energy resilience and help meet renewable energy targets.
Economic Benefits and Local Job Creation
CVOW is already spurring economic growth and job creation across Virginia. Nearly 1,000 workers have been engaged statewide, with over 800 based in the Hampton Roads region alone. As the project shifts from construction to the operational phase, job demand will increase, with Dominion estimating that over 1,000 positions will be required for ongoing operations and maintenance.
Addressing Concerns Surrounding CVOW
CVOW has encountered pushback despite its promise, especially regarding the project’s cost, environmental impacts, and logistical challenges.
- Cost to Ratepayers: Some consumer advocates worry about the potential rate impact, as high initial project costs could ultimately affect consumers. Performance guarantees have been requested to protect ratepayers if CVOW underperforms, though this assurance is complex at such a scale.
- Environmental and Marine Ecosystems: Environmental groups have expressed concerns over the project’s impact on marine ecosystems. Construction noise and seabed disruption could disturb habitats of fish and endangered species, like the North Atlantic right whale. Dominion is working to mitigate these risks, though the long-term effects remain under observation.
- Logistical and Reliability Challenges: Offshore construction requires specialized equipment and skilled labor, which face tight supply. Additionally, offshore wind variability necessitates grid balancing; Dominion plans to support this by leveraging a diverse energy portfolio.
These concerns underscore the complexities of large-scale offshore wind development, highlighting the need for strategic management and careful planning as CVOW progresses.
Paving the Way for U.S. Offshore Wind Energy
Now 43% complete, CVOW demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale offshore wind in regulated markets, reinforcing Dominion’s leadership in renewable energy development. Each project phase moves Virginia closer to its renewable energy goals and sets a precedent for similar projects nationwide.
