Global Wind Day: Harnessing The Power Of Offshore Wind

By Virginians for Offshore Wind

Every year on June 15, we recognize Global Wind Day. This annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing the full potential of wind energy, including offshore wind, and harnessing its power and possibilities.

Offshore wind presents the opportunity to reshape our entire energy system by providing an additional source of reliable, American-made energy for our nation. It is also leading to new sectors and major infrastructure investments – the offshore wind industry has already invested more than $25 billion in supply chains across 40 states, including $5.3 billion dedicated to revitalizing U.S. ports.

While most of the nation is in the early stages of realizing the full potential of offshore wind, Virginia is on the cutting edge. Here in the Commonwealth, especially due to the progress of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, the offshore wind industry is already creating thousands of American jobs, attracting industry leaders from around the world and driving major investments for the region – such as LS GreenLink’s recent $681 million investment for a cable manufacturing facility in Chesapeake.

And CVOW is well on its way to completion. In fact, more than half of the 176 monopiles are in place, and turbine installations are expected to begin this year! With electrons expected to hit the grid by the end of 2026, the 2.6 GW project will provide enough carbon-free energy to power 660,000 Virginia homes and businesses and generate millions in local and state revenues. It’s an exciting time for the Virginia coast!

The offshore wind industry is truly growing before our eyes and has the potential to transform economies. Universities and community colleges are recognizing this potential as well. Many institutions across the Commonwealth are working to equip the workforce of tomorrow with the skills necessary to have a successful career in the offshore wind industry.

This includes Tidewater Community College’s Portsmouth campus, which is adding 13,000 square feet of space to its Skilled Trades Academy to ramp up training for offshore wind jobs, and New College Institute in Martinsville, which started Virginia’s first Global Wind Organization-certified wind technician training program.

It’s exciting to know that the future of offshore wind is here and now, and it’s happening right in our backyard. In Virginia, there’s always a reason to celebrate the promise and potential of wind energy.

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