An offshore wind energy farm, off the coasts of Virginia will be reviewed by the U.S. government, as Dominion Energy intends to develop the project, that would power the state with almost 3000 megawatts of capacity, Reuters reported this Friday.
Firstly, the Biden administration said on Thursday that it would be conducting a study for the project; in an effort to create thousands of green energy jobs by 2030. Specially, after the infrastructure and jobs plan of the administration intends to develop almost 30 GW of wind power by 2030, and to create 80,000 jobs.
Secondly, Dominion Energy, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project pretends to develop the project and operate it; the project would include up to 205 wind turbines capable of generating 3000 megawatts of electricity by 2026.
Thirdly, the project would locate around 20 nautical miles off the coasts of Virginia; Dominion Energy considers that, when fully built, the project will power 660,000 homes.
Also recommended for you: ENGIE and Axium reach financial close on Georgetown U. Partnership. Click here to read.
Offshore wind launching in the U.S.
Moreover, as reported by Reuters, if approved would generate during development and construction an average of about 900 jobs from 2020 to 2026; with a peak of about 1,500 jobs in 2024 and 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) said. The project would support about 1,100 long-term jobs.
In addition, the Interior Department will publish a notice of intent to prepare the environmental impact statements; this would open a public comment period until August 2, according to Reuters.
Furthermore, BOEM will hold three virtual public scoping meetings which will help figure out what to analyze in the EIS. This, in regards to concerns of the fishing industry about other wind energy projects; as turbines may affect sea life and fishing areas.
On the other hand, in May the Biden-Harris administration approved the country’s first major offshore wind farm; the Vineyard Project phase one. The project is intended to launch a national industry, in line with the administration’s goals regarding climate change.
