The Dominion Energy Offshore Wind Project is putting Virginia Beach, USA on the map as a central hub for the burgeoning offshore wind industry.
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project is set to be the largest commercial-scale offshore wind project in the United States.
Located approximately 27 miles off Virginia Beach, an oceanfront city in the state of Virginia, its 176 turbines will generate 2.6GW of electricity once operational – enough to power up to 660,000 homes.
Offshore construction is already underway and the project is set to be completed in 2026.
The developer, Dominion Energy, is a regulated utility provider that is well-known among citizens in local communities.
“Dominion Energy has actively collaborated with Virginia Beach and other local cities to promote the area as an ideal location for offshore wind development,” said Paige Fox, business development manager for City of Virginia Beach Economic Development.
The project has already bolstered supply chain opportunities and encouraged the establishment of new businesses – and the benefits will only increase as the project develops.
READ MORE: Offshore wind is building momentum in Virginia Beach
A study from Magnum Economics published in 2020 forecasts the potential impact of the project. It found that during the construction period approximately 900 direct and indirect jobs will be created, with 60pc of the workforce recruited locally. In the future, the project’s annual operation and maintenance will support more than 1,100 local jobs, generating $6 million in local tax revenues.
The offshore wind industry is becoming a pillar of economic development in Virginia Beach. The city, long known in the US for its strategic coastal location and strong maritime industry, has added a dynamic new dimension to the local economy with the emergence of offshore wind.
One of Virginia Beach’s key strengths as a city and commercial centre is its ability to offer resources and opportunities for both incoming and local businesses in areas such as manufacturing, logistics and defense.
The city offers essential support services, including soft-landing spots for companies entering the market, which help them quickly adapt and integrate into the local business environment. This approach not only accelerates the growth of new ventures but also strengthens the existing marketplace.
READ MORE: Offshore opportunities abound in Virginia Beach
“Virginia Beach has played a pivotal role in driving innovation within the fast-growing offshore wind industry by creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters business growth and development,” Paige said.
The city is positioning itself as a leader in this sector, drawing attention from global companies and investors eager to be part of the US offshore wind industry.
Furthermore, Virginia Beach has invested in educational and training programmes designed to equip local businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the renewable energy sector.
By collaborating with educational institutions – such as funding new training labs with Tidewater Community College or partnering with industry experts like Oceantic Network to provide educational training – the city is putting forth efforts to ensure its workforce is prepared to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving sector.
Virginia Beach’s recognisability in the offshore wind industry has significantly grown on a global scale. This increased awareness is the result of the city’s proactive efforts to collaborate with international industry partners, such as the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) and the Northern Offshore Federation (NOF).
Virginia Beach has also participated in programmes like Global Gateway, provided by the Oceantic Network, which has also expanded its reach and visibility.
This year it was announced that the city will be the host of the International Partnering Forum (IPF) Conference, organised by the Oceantic Network. The IPF Conference is the largest offshore wind conference in the Americas and is slated for April 2025.
“The future of the offshore wind industry in Virginia Beach looks exceptionally promising, with several major projects and investments on the horizon,” said Paige.
On August 14, a lease auction by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia attracted new industry players to the Central Atlantic region. Dominion Energy successfully secured a new lease area adjacent to CVOW, at more than 71,000 hectares.
Further projects in the pipeline include the CVOW South project by Dominion Energy at 800 MW, and the Kitty Hawk Offshore Wind project by Avangrid Renewables.
Paige explained that “a highly skilled workforce, robust infrastructure and pro-business environment” positions Virginia Beach as the ideal location for growth-oriented companies seeking to excel in this expanding and dynamic industry.
For more information, visit yesvirginiabeach.com
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