Virginia's energy plan calls for 2 GW of offshore wind by 2028

Virginia governor Ralph Northam on Tuesday presented the 2018 Virginia Energy Plan that calls for the deployment of 2 GW of offshore wind by 2028.

The plan, which outlines the state's energy policy over the next 10 years, sets targets for renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and electric vehicles. Building on the Grid Transformation and Security Act, which was signed into law earlier in 2018, it also calls for a comprehensive grid modernisation planning process.

On offshore wind, the plan supports Dominion Energy Inc's (NYSE:D) 12-MW offshore wind demonstration project and recommends setting up a goal that the full 2,000 MW of offshore wind potential in Virginia's wind energy area be developed by 2028. The demonstration project aims to prepare the ground for the development of up to 2 GW in Virginia's 112,800-acre (45,649 ha) wind energy area that Dominion Energy has leased from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

The plan also recommends the deployment of 3 GW of solar and onshore by 2022. This is part of the 5 GW of solar and wind resources deemed in the public interest under the Grid Transformation and Security Act. Dominion Energy has already committed to have 3 GW of new solar and wind under development or in operation by early 2022, in line with the legislation.

"The clean energy sector has the power to create new business opportunities, expand customer access to renewable energy, and spark the high-demand jobs of the 21st century," Northam said in a statement.

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