The offshore wind energy market is emerging in North America.  With a potential build-out of at least 20,000 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity (or 2,000 - 3,000 wind turbines) along the East Coast over the next two decades, Virginia is well positioned as a prime location for the offshore wind supply chain and service industry.  As the demand for wind energy increases, experts predict that over 14,000 jobs will be created in the construction, maintenance, manufacturing and other service-related industries.

Recent briefings to the HRPDC from Virginia’s Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) and Old Dominion University’s Center for Physical Coastal Oceanography have identified a number of benefits for the Hampton Roads region from the development of offshore wind along the mid-Atlantic coast:

• competitive market advantages in Hampton Roads for attracting the offshore wind industry
• energy and environmental benefits with the development of renewable energy sources
• advancement of the region’s goals to diversify the economy and increase higher-paying jobs.

A demonstration project for offshore wind is currently under development off the coast of Virginia.  Dominion Energy contracted in 2017 with Ørsted Energy of Denmark to build Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), a two turbine, 12 megawatt (MW) demonstration project located 23.5 nautical miles off the Virginia Beach coastline.  The CVOW project is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will lay the groundwork for potential large-scale commercial development up to 2,000 MW.

Please click HERE for a copy of the HRPDC resolution supporting offshore wind development or contact Keith Cannady of the HRPDC staff for additional information.