For Immediate Release: September 25, 2023
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE — The Oceantic Network, the leading organization working to accelerate offshore wind energy deployment and build a dedicated domestic supply chain, celebrates today’s federal announcement that the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW) – the country’s sixth commercial scale offshore wind project – passed the environmental review process and could soon receive final approval to begin construction.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Dominion Energy’s CVOW commercial project, located off the coast of Virginia Beach. Based on the findings of the FEIS, BOEM will issue its final Record of Decision (ROD) after 30 days with a final decision on the project’s environmental approval to begin construction. The FEIS allows for the project to generate up to 3,000 MW of electricity, while Dominion Energy has indicated they plan to produce approximately 2,600 MW of generation through 176 wind turbines. If approved, CVOW would be the sixth commercial-scale U.S. offshore wind project to receive final environmental approval under the Biden-Harris administration, joining Vineyard Wind, South Fork Wind, Ocean Wind 1, and Revolution Wind, which have received RODs for their projects, and Empire Wind that similarly received an FEIS earlier this month. Combined, the six projects represent a potential 7.4 GW pipeline of projects that has passed through the federal environmental review process, with two projects, totaling 932 MW, already under installation activities this summer.
The following statement can be attributed to John Begala, vice president for federal and state policy at the Oceantic Network:
“The U.S. offshore wind pipeline continues to grow as the CVOW project passes this important regulatory milestone, bringing Virginians closer to clean, affordable electricity. Once BOEM issues its final decision, the total pipeline of projects approved to begin construction will exceed 7 GW, marking a substantial increase for the U.S. in just the last year. Dominion’s CVOW project is anchoring a critical corner of the emerging domestic supply chain and advancing this project means supporting development of America’s first wind turbine installation vessel and substantial port redevelopment work. The Hampton Roads area is abuzz with offshore wind activity and the federal government’s advancement of the CVOW project will continue advancing the area as a hub for the whole industry. The Network applauds BOEM for maintaining consistent, timely reviews of COPs while ensuring environmental protection.”
Additional Information:
- BOEM Completes Environmental Review of Proposed Wind Project Offshore Virginia
- Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project Final Environmental Impact Statement
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
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