September 29, 2023 — Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which when built will be the largest offshore wind farm in the U.S., drew one step closer to construction after the federal government completed an environmental review of the plans Monday.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s issuance of the final environmental impact statement means the 2.6 gigawatt project continues to be on track for construction to begin early next year, with a completion date in late 2026. The last federal regulatory approval needed for work to start is BOEM’s record of decision, which is expected to be issued this fall.
“The completion of our environmental review marks another step towards a clean energy future — one that benefits communities and co-exists with other ocean users,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein in a statement. “The best available science and knowledge shared by Tribes, other government agencies, local communities, ocean users, industry, environmental organizations and others informed the analyses contained in this document.”
Approved in August 2022 by Virginia’s utility regulators, the State Corporation Commission, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW) would consist of 176 wind turbines and three offshore substations located 27 miles off Virginia Beach. It is expected to produce enough electricity to power 1 million homes.