A report released by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) recently included details as to why Virginia is well positioned to grow its offshore wind industry. The report titled Positioning for U.S. Expansion: U.S. Ports and Vessel Information, provides in-depth information from each state with an existing or planned offshore wind industry. It includes information on each port and existing vessels that are approved to support the renewable energy. The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) is the lead agency for offshore wind development in Virginia.
“With its rich maritime history, Virginia has many unique assets that make it an ideal hub for the U.S. East Coast offshore wind supply chain,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We have been laying the groundwork for offshore wind for over a decade, and we’re excited to be recognized by ABS.”
The U.S. is projected to produce 40 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2040 according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Activities by the states, including Virginia, are driving that demand.
“We are seeing a buzz in activity of those wanting to be a part of this new and quickly growing industry,” said DMME Chief Deputy Jennifer Palestrant. “We have established workforce, training programs and the right partners to ensure those who can join the supply chain are welcomed and get to work fast.”
ABS holds great importance to the maritime industry in the U.S. and will be key in ensuring a successful offshore wind industry along the East Coast.
The Commonwealth began work on building its offshore wind industry in 2009. In June 2020, two turbines were installed 26 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia in the Commonwealth of Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) lease area. These two six-megawatt Siemens Gamesa turbines were installed by Ørsted and were the first in federal waters.
Virginia is currently home to two offshore wind farms. Dominion Energy and Avangrid Renewables have both submitted their construction and operation plans to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Dominion Energy’s CVOW Commercial project will be the largest wind farm in the U.S. covering over 112,000 acres. The projected completion date is 2026, and it is expected to power 650,000 homes each year.
