Virginia’s Offshore Wind Development Spotlights National Renewable Energy Day

March 21 marks National Renewable Energy Day, a time to celebrate and promote the use of renewable energy sources while raising awareness of their benefits for our planet.

Renewable energy comes in various forms, including hydroelectric power and solar energy. However, one technology stands out in reshaping Virginia’s future: wind energy. Embracing a sustainable future and safeguarding our environment demands a diverse energy portfolio, and offshore wind is playing a pivotal role in this transition.

As communities, states, and nations increasingly pivot towards renewable energy, Virginia stands at the forefront of innovation with the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. By tapping into one of the world’s most abundant resources, Virginia has made significant advancements in the offshore wind industry in recent years, propelling itself towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

In fact, the CVOW project is poised to deliver over 8 million megawatt hours of clean, reliable, and affordable energy to the grid. This translates to a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, estimated at 4.877 million tons annually – equivalent to removing over a million non-electric vehicles from the roads for a year or planting more than 80 million trees. Moreover, the energy generated by the CVOW project will be sufficient to power 660,000 Virginia homes.

The benefits of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, extend well beyond environmental sustainability. This growing industry presents an abundance of economic opportunities for Virginia, spanning construction, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance. The establishment of offshore wind farms generates thousands of jobs statewide. Once operational, the CVOW project alone will support more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Hampton Roads region, contributing nearly $82 million in pay and benefits, and stimulating approximately $210 million in economic output annually. It also attracts investments and strengthens both the state and local economies, fostering industry-specific expertise and bolstering the U.S. offshore wind supply chain.

Aligned with the Virginia Clean Economy Act’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, offshore wind assumes a pivotal role critical for achieving this endeavor. Whether through fostering economic growth or ushering in a carbon-free future, the benefits of offshore wind will be felt across Virginia.

As we celebrate National Renewable Energy Day, it is imperative to recognize the role of offshore wind in shaping a sustainable future and protecting our environment. As leaders in the offshore wind industry, Virginia is laying the groundwork for more renewable energy development that will create a better, cleaner future for all.