Celebrating Reliable, Affordable and Clean Energy Week and Offshore Wind’s Important Role

Monday marked the start of Reliable, Affordable and Clean Energy Week in the Commonwealth – a new proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin that encourages residents to celebrate and learn more about the many valuable energy sources that power Virginia’s electrical grid.

One of the most pivotal components of Virginia’s reliable, affordable and clean energy grid today is the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) farm project, as was highlighted in the governor’s proclamation. The CVOW project has put Virginia at the front of the pack for offshore wind in the United States, setting us up for long term success as the Hampton Roads region is transforming into a hub for the industry. 

Several key points that Governor Youngkin made in his proclamation are a direct result of the success of the CVOW project and the offshore wind industry in Virginia:

  • “Clean energy jobs are inherently local and contribute to the growth of local economies; and, these jobs cannot be outsourced due to the on-site nature of construction, installation, and maintenance.”
    • The CVOW project alone is set to support hundreds of good-paying clean energy jobs once construction is complete and it is fully operational.
  • The offshore wind workforce of the future is already getting prepared in Virginia, with several Virginia colleges and universities offering offshore wind focused networking and training programs where students can connect and access resources to join the region’s maritime network.
  • “Individuals and organizations in Virginia are encouraged to support solutions that address America’s economic and energy needs in the 21st century and implement the cleanest energy technologies available.”
    • The CVOW project is going to deliver completely emission-free energy to over 600,000 Virginia homes and businesses, supplementing our already strong grid with completely clean power when we need it most.
  • The energy generated from the project will avoid as much carbon dioxide emissions as that of 1 million cars on the road each year.
  • “Virginia must come together with an all-of-the-above energy plan to assert American energy leadership and ensure low-cost reliable energy at home.”
    • All-of-the-above energy is the ultimate goal for Virginia, and with the substantial contributions of the CVOW project and the growing offshore wind industry, our power grid will be stronger as it becomes more diversified.
  • This approach will ensure energy security, reliability and affordability for decades to come.

We encourage Virginians to join us in supporting offshore wind this Reliable, Affordable and Clean Energy Week and every week as it continues to power the Commonwealth.

Learn more about offshore wind in Virginia HERE.

About Virginians For Offshore Wind: Virginians for Offshore Wind is a group of citizens and local organizations dedicated to promoting offshore wind in Virginia, including the clean energy transformation and economic opportunities that come with it. To learn more, visitwww.virginiaosw.org.