Dominion Energy has achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, successfully installing the 50th monopile foundation. This accomplishment keeps the project on track to meet its target of installing 70-100 monopiles by the end of October, marking the first of two installation seasons. The massive 2.6-gigawatt project, the largest offshore wind project under construction in the United States, will consist of 176 turbines, generating enough clean, renewable energy to power up to 660,000 homes. With construction expected to be completed in late 2026, CVOW is projected to generate fuel savings of $3 billion for customers during the first 10 years of operation.
The monopile foundations, being staged at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal, are single vertical, steel cylinders manufactured by EEW SPC, a global leader in the field. They are being installed into the sea floor to support the wind turbine generators. Dominion Energy will continue to install monopiles throughout the fall of 2024, resuming installations in May 2025, aligning with the project construction schedule.
The project is not only generating clean energy but also creating significant economic benefits for the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth. Over 800 Virginia-based workers, including nearly 670 in the Hampton Roads region, have been engaged in the CVOW project or supporting businesses. After the project commences commercial operation, over 1,000 local jobs will be needed to support ongoing operations and maintenance.
Robert M. Blue, Dominion Energy’s chair, president, and chief executive officer, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “Our on-time, on-budget Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project proves that regulated offshore wind works in the United States. Offshore wind is critical to our all-of-the-above approach to provide our customers with affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy.”
Dominion Energy, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, provides electricity and natural gas to over 4.5 million customers in 13 states. The company is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, reflecting its dedication to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to its customers.
