Federal review starts for 2.64-GW Coastal Virginia offshore wind project

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will today launch the federal permitting process for Dominion Energy Inc’s (NYSE:D) 2.64-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project off the coast of Virginia.

The developer said on Thursday that BOEM will publish the notice of intent (NOI) in the federal register on Friday. This will initiate the permitting review, which will include the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The process will start with a 30-day public comment period and is expected to last about two years.

The milestone is a sign that the project is on track to complete construction in 2026, said Dominion Energy’s chairman, president and CEO, Robert Blue. Approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission will be sought later this year.

The commercial project follows the 12-MW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) pilot scheme that was put on stream in October 2020. The utility-scale complex will be adjacent to the 12-MW demo facility, located 27 miles (43.45 km) off the coast of Virginia Beach. Dominion secured rights for the 112,800-acre Commercial Lease Area back in 2013.

The huge power complex is expected to generate enough electricity for up to 660,000 homes, once operational.

Dominion Energy estimates that the utility-scale project will open about 900 jobs during the construction phase and bring USD 210 million (EUR 177.3m) to the economy each year during its operational lifespan.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.844)

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