Dominion Energy Remains on Schedule to Build 2.6 GW Offshore Wind Project

Dominion Energy and its contractors remain on track to ensure that the 2.6 GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project remains on schedule

Dominion Energy has issued a notification claiming that it along with its contractors remains on track to ensure that the 2.6 GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project remains on schedule to become an economic driver in Hampton Roads. The project team and vessel crews have implemented processes to navigate the impact of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Two vessels – the M/V Sarah Bordelon and M/V Marcelle Bordelon contracted through TerraSond – earlier this month started geophysical studies in the 112,800-acre project lease area, 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach where the 2,600-megawatt project will be built beginning in 2024. These surveys will provide the company with the geological, biological, and oceanographic data needed to support planning and construction in a manner that facilitates coexistence between the natural marine ecosystem and clean energy development. Ultimately, this data will support the preparation of the project’s Construction and Operations Plan to be submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) later this year.

“Safety is our top priority and while the coronavirus pandemic has created unique challenges, our teams have safely worked through them to keep the development of the commercial offshore wind project on track,” said Mark D. Mitchell, Dominion Energy vice president of generation construction. “At the same time, we are working diligently with our suppliers to develop a US-based offshore wind supply chain anchored in Hampton Roads, which would establish Virginia as the leader in offshore wind in America.”

The firm is also working with wind turbine and other manufacturers to encourage them to bring the much-needed US-based supply chain to Hampton Roads, spurring economic development and employment opportunities in the region, while lowering project costs. Furthermore, recognising the importance of commercial and recreational fisheries in the region, Dominion Energy has engaged the fishing and maritime communities to coordinate CVOW’s offshore operations, address questions, and obtain feedback from the fishing community.

Dominion Energy’s offshore wind projects are part of the company’s comprehensive clean energy strategy to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050.