Virginia Regulator Seeks Public Input on Dominion Energy’s 2.6-Gigawatt Offshore Wind Project

The Virginia State Corporation Commission is seeking comment on Dominion Energy’s proposal to construct an offshore wind facility off the coast of Virginia Beach. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project, estimated to cost about $9.8 billion, would consist of 176 turbines each having a capacity of 14.7 megawatts. Once fully built, the offshore wind farm is expected to generate enough power to supply 660,000 homes in the state. The project would help the state reach its legislated goal of securing 5.2 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2034 and also support the national goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Offshore wind generation has become a widespread phenomenon in recent times, since they provide renewable energy at a competitive cost. Furthermore, they have many of the same advantages as land based, with the additional benefit of higher wind speeds. Moreover, offshore wind farms do not emit environmental pollutants or greenhouse gases, and so have become an attractive investment for countries, amid tightening emission targets worldwide.

Whilst many benefits exist, the effect of offshore wind farms on marine life are not fully understood. Spinning turbine blades could pose a threat to flying wildlife like birds and bats and as a result, environmental issues continue to delay and hinder wind development in high quality wind resource areas. Furthermore, there are concerns that offshore wind farms reduce property prices in surrounding coastal areas, a potential major concern for the public. Accordingly, the commission has given the public a timeframe to address any potential economic or environmental concerns.

Dominion Energy is already operating a two-turbine, 12-megawatt pilot wind farm – near the proposed project location – that is expected to provide data to inform the commercial-scale project.

The commission will hold a public witness session on May 16, 2022. An evidentiary hearing will be held on May 17, 2022.