Dominion Energy’s proposed offshore wind farm hits key regulatory milestone

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will publish a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 2.6-gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) owned by Dominion Energy.

The $9.8 billion offshore wind farm, located 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, will generate enough power for up to 660,000 homes. Dominion Energy is proposing to build 176 14.7-megawatt Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy wind turbines and three offshore substations in a 112,800-acre commercial lease area. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024 and conclude in late 2026.

The draft EIS reflects the studies, evaluations, and design to maximize CVOW’s environmental benefits and minimize potential impacts. This includes actions to minimize the effects on marine life, such as North Atlantic Right Whales, and design a transmission route that avoids impacts on natural resources to the maximum extent possible.

“This is a major milestone that keeps CVOW on time and on budget for the benefit of Dominion Energy Virginia customers,” said Bob Blue, Dominion Energy’s chair, president, and CEO. “Offshore wind offers many benefits for Virginia – it’s emissions-free, fuel-free, and transformational for the Hampton Roads economy. We look forward to working with federal regulators and the public to ensure the project is fully protective of the environment.”

The draft environmental analysis will publish in the Federal Register on Dec. 16, which leads to a 60-day public comment period that ends on Feb. 14, 2023. Feedback on the draft EIS will inform BOEM’s preparations for the final EIS.

The project is expected to save Virginia customers more than $3 billion during its first 10 years in operation, but those savings could double if commodity market pressure trends continue. Additionally, CVOW is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during construction and more than a thousand during operations.