Year In Review: VAOSW’s Efforts to Support the Offshore Wind Industry Continued to Grow in 2024

This past year has been the biggest for Virginians for Offshore Wind (VAOSW) since we first launched. Our coalition’s growth is a testament to the organic excitement for the offshore wind industry across the Commonwealth – Virginians recognize its incredible potential as an energy source and an economic invigorator, and the enthusiasm is surely only going to continue to grow.

This is especially true as construction on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project remains on time and on budget. Throughout the winter season, transition pieces will continue to be installed, and onshore construction is ongoing. Looking ahead to 2025, we can expect more positive updates to come around the CVOW project and the offshore wind industry’s growth in Virginia.

See below for some highlights of our coalition’s activity over the past year:

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

Over the past year, VAOSW added 12 new members to our coalition, including economic development associations, nonprofit organizations, relevant industry companies and more. This pushed us to a total of 61 members.

We also met with several other organizations and companies who have expressed interest in joining, and we are actively continuing conversations with those groups and others to ensure that our membership can continue to grow.

EARNED MEDIA & EVENT PARTICIPATION

We worked with members and partners on drafting, pitching and placing earned media pieces, including an op-ed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch by the Virginia Maritime Association’s executive director David White.

We have also joined members and supporters for several event opportunities, including a tour of the CVOW project and sponsoring and attending the 14th Annual Asian Chamber Leadership Awards Gala.

HAMPTON ROADS VIDEO

This year, we collaborated with partners and members including Black BRAND, James Madison University and First Landing Charters to provide testimonials for our video, “The Future of Energy.” The video has now become a tool for securing additional advocates for offshore wind in Virginia as well as new members for our coalition.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Heading into 2025, we look forward to continuing to amplify support for the offshore wind industry in the Commonwealth. We are actively seeking opportunities to spread awareness of the vast economic benefits, job opportunities and clean energy generation that is going to come from investing in this sector, and we welcome support from anyone who would like to join us in our efforts.

Learn more about offshore wind in Virginia HERE.