Virginia wants 2.5 GW of offshore wind to back green goals

The US state of Virginia has voiced its offshore wind ambitions with the signing of an executive order that sets a goal for the development of up to 2.5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2026.

Executive Order 43 was signed on Tuesday by Governor Ralph Northam, setting a target for the state to supply 30% of its total power from renewables by 2030. It will also aim to be producing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.

Commonwealth agencies and executive branch institutions, meanwhile, will have to meet at least 30% of their electricity consumption with renewable energy sources by 2022.

In order to achieve these goals, the state will need to ensure that it has at least 3 GW of solar and onshore wind projects under development by 2022 and that up to 2.5 GW of offshore wind projects are fully developed on an accelerated timeline by 2026. The plan will also address issues related to energy storage, energy efficiency, equity, and environmental justice.

“This Executive Order will help ensure that Virginia remains at the forefront of clean energy innovation, meets the urgency of the challenges brought on by climate change, and captures the economic, environmental, and health benefits of this energy growth in an equitable way that benefits all Virginians,” Governor Northam said.

Earlier this year, US utility Dominion Energy Inc (NYSE:D) began construction work on a 12-MW offshore wind demonstrator off the coast of Virginia in partnership with Denmark’s Ørsted A/S (CPH:ORSTED).

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