Opinion: Kitty Hawk wind initiative will be a boon to Virginia

Twenty-seven miles from Virginia Beach, two turbines gently spin in the coastal breeze, generating enough electricity to power 7,500 homes. Too far from shore to be seen, these turbines represent a major step in the United States’ energy transition. Hundreds of turbines spanning dozens of projects along the Atlantic Coast will join these towers soon, including Avangrid Renewables’ Kitty Hawk North Wind Project.

Kitty Hawk comprises a 200-square-mile wind energy area, which sits 36 nautical miles from Virginia’s shores. It was defined through deep collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense and local fishing communities. Like other offshore wind projects along the Atlantic Coast, its turbines are expected to provide a base for a bustling, artificial reef ecosystem for mussels, flounders, black sea bass and other commercially valuable species. Slated for operation by 2030, Kitty Hawk will produce up to 3,500 MW of fuel-free electricity, equal to about 1.5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided. Given Virginia Beach’s vulnerability to rising sea levels, this project would be a major asset toward mitigation.

Beyond these massive environmental perks, Virginia Beach will experience significant economic development because of Kitty Hawk. Avangrid is expected to spend $808 million in Hampton Roads over the course of the project, much of which will support local labor and supply chain development. In turn, investments are expected to create nearly 800 jobs across Virginia, increasing Hampton Roads household earnings by $273 million.

These jobs will be localized to Hampton Roads. With the renewable energy industry, particularly wind, employing 67% more veterans than the national average, this project is well poised to support Virginia’s communities. Transitioning service members and maritime workers possess the skills and qualities that are mission critical for these projects: risk mitigation, teamwork and dedication. Kitty Hawk is part of a long and stable pipeline of offshore wind projects that will help create well-paying employment opportunities for decades to come. As southeastern Virginia continues to establish itself as a manufacturing hub for this industry, securing manufacturers such as Siemens Gamesa, the commonwealth will produce offshore wind components that will be used in waters throughout the Atlantic and beyond.

Avangrid Renewables has worked closely with state, city and community leaders throughout the project development process to ensure the maximization of job opportunities to Virginia Beach. Now, the project faces a vote from City Council, which will decide whether the project will come onshore in the Sandbridge neighborhood of Virginia Beach and bring its myriad of benefits to residents. Taking into account other ocean users, Sandbridge is the most reasonable location for the project. Running beneath existing parking lots and pathways, transmission lines will parallel those from other utility and infrastructure projects. While residents can expect minor, temporary disruption, all roadways will remain accessible, and inconveniences are far outweighed by the tremendous benefits that Kitty Hawk will bring to the region. This is our chance to support in-state clean energy to fuel our economy and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Bipartisan city, state and federal officials have all expressed outright support for offshore wind. Understanding the breadth and depth of advantages that Kitty Hawk and other wind projects will bring to Virginia, residents of Hampton Roads are encouraged to reach out to city councilors, neighbors and community members to express support for this milestone of American offshore wind.

Hailey Deres is a program associate with the Southeastern Wind Coalition, a nonprofit that supports wind energy development through research, education and outreach. She leads SEWC’s work in Virginia.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Latest Post

Biden-Harris Administration Announces RWE As Provisional Winner of Lake Charles Lease Area

Raleigh, N.C. – The Department of the Interior today announced the results of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) offshore wind auction off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. RWE Offshore US Gulf, LLC is the provisional winner of the Lake Charles Lease Area…

Read More

Duke Energy Files Carbon Plan IRP

Raleigh, N.C.-  On August 17th, 2023, Duke Energy filed its combined Carbon Plan and IRP (CPIRP) proposal with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). The Carbon Plan is mandated through HB951 and requires the NCUC to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to achieve 70 percent carbon emissions reductions from 2005 levels by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 using a least-cost approach. 

BOEM Announces Three Final Wind Energy Areas in the Central Atlantic

Raleigh, N.C.-  Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced three final Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in the Central Atlantic region, including a lease off the coast of Virginia. This announcement marks a milestone in the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030. 

Read More

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Offshore Wind Area Lease Sale in the Gulf of Mexico

Raleigh, N.C. – The Department of the Interior announced today that it will hold the first-ever offshore wind energy lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico, marking a historic step in the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to achieve 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030. 

Read More

SEWC Submits Comments in Response to an NOI Amending LAC 43:V.Chapter 7, 707, 711-717, and 725-733- Leasing State Lands and Water Bottoms for the Exploration, Development and Production of Wind Energy

Raleigh, N.C. – On June 12, 2023, the Southeastern Wind Coalition (SEWC) submitted public comments in response to a Notice of Intent (NOI) Amending LAC 43:V.Chapter 7, 707, 711-717, and 725-733- Leasing State Lands and Water Bottoms for the Exploration, Development and Production of Wind Energy.

ACP Offshore

Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and its momentum forward continues leading into ACP’s Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition this fall. The event has cultivated a dedicated and thriving global community of top developers and experts. As more steel goes in the water, this event will only continue to grow in value and scope.

Newsletter

Sign Up with Your Email Address to Receive News and Updates