As Offshore Construction Begins, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Leads the Way for the Southeast

For Immediate Release: May 24, 2024

Media Contact: Julia Pendleton, juliap@sewind.org, 804-420-0922

Virginia Beach, Va.– The future of clean energy in the Southeast reaches a significant milestone as the 2.6 gigawatt (GW) Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project commences offshore construction, marking a historic leap towards sustainable energy generation in the region. A project of Richmond-based utility Dominion Energy, CVOW represents a groundbreaking venture that combines proven clean energy technology with a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. As the largest offshore wind project in the country, CVOW demonstrates the potential that clean energy has in the Southeast and provides a roadmap for continued offshore wind deployment in the region. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion as offshore construction begins on CVOW,” said Southeastern Wind Coalition President Katharine Kollins. “This project exemplifies Virginia’s leadership in offshore wind and the potential for the Commonwealth to become a key hub for the industry while meeting increasing energy demand with clean, domestically-produced sources. CVOW just is the first step in leveraging the multi-generational economic opportunities that the industry provides for communities across Virginia and the Southeast.” 

Construction of the project more than 27 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia Beach begins with installing monopile foundations for 176 wind turbines, set to be installed next year. When completed in 2026, CVOW will deliver enough clean energy to power more than 660,000 homes. The location of the project was carefully chosen by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in close consultation with the Department of Defense, environmental groups, the maritime industry, and state and local agencies. BOEM’s robust permitting process ensures offshore wind projects do not conflict with any national security, environmental, or marine usage concerns.

About SEWC 

The Southeastern Wind Coalition is a 501(c)3 that works to advance the land-based and offshore wind industry in the Southeast. We focus on supply chain growth, economic development, job growth, and wind energy development in the region with solutions that are beneficial to industry, utilities, and that result in net economic benefits to residents.  For more information about the Southeastern Wind Coalition visit www.sewind.org.s