CHESAPEAKE, Va. — With the offshore wind industry gaining traction off the coast of Virginia, both political and labor representatives came together in Chesapeake Wednesday to highlight the growth and progress so far.
U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria joined organizations, such as the BlueGreen Alliance and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 110, to tour a student facility that is helping to equip workers with necessary skills for the giant windmills.
In 2021, Luria was one of four U.S. representatives to create the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus, which was created to encourage bipartisan support for the renewable energy industry.
On Aug. 5, regulators with the State Corporation Commission approved an application from Dominion Energy Virginia to build an enormous offshore wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach and recover the cost from ratepayers, according to AP.
While the project, which is reportedly one of the largest in Dominion's history, has garnered support from the Biden Administration, others, like Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, have expressed concerns about the economic impact.
There are currently two giant wind turbines off the coast of Virginia Beach that were the first to be installed in federal waters. So far, they are capable of avoiding up to 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to Dominion Energy.
The project is tentatively set to be complete by 2026.
At this time, the State Corporation Commission has created a performance order plan for the construction, which may cause changes to the current method of action.
A spokesperson with Dominion Energy said that they are confident they will be able to find common ground as they move forward.
“Offshore wind has many benefits for our customers: it is fuel free, emissions free, diversifies our energy mix, and is a transformative economic development opportunity for Hampton Roads," the spokesperson said in a statement.
"Dominion Energy Virginia is a regulated utility with very competitive rates and reliable service. We look forward to completing the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project as a regulated project to build on our long record of affordability and reliability.”
