By james art 
Staff writer
Dominion Energy announced that it has completed the first installation season of its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, successfully installing 78 monopile foundations and four substation foundations on the seabed. This achievement exceeded the original goal of 70 monopiles, positioning CVOW as a key player in the future of US offshore wind. When completed, the project will be the largest in the country, comprising 176 turbines capable of generating enough energy to power 660,000 homes.
Located 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, this 2.6 gigawatt project is on schedule and on budget, with full completion expected by the end of 2026.
Over the next few months, Dominion Energy will focus on laying offshore substations, installing cables and developing ground transmission. These foundational steps will prepare CWOW for turbine installation, which should begin in 2025.
“Our offshore wind project in coastal Virginia demonstrates that regulated offshore wind is working in the United States,” said Robert M. Blue, chairman, president and CEO of Dominion Energy. “Offshore wind is critical to our diverse generation mix for all of the above to keep the lights on for our customers with affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy.”
Foundations for a sustainable future
The installation of these monopile foundations marks a major milestone in the progress of the project. Manufactured by EEW SPC and placed at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal, these steel structures are embedded in the seabed, providing the necessary support for the turbines that Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy will supply. Monopile placement will resume in May 2025 as Dominion remains committed to its timely, phased construction schedule.
In addition to the environmental benefits, CVOW is expected to provide significant financial benefits to customers, with expected fuel savings of $3 billion over the first decade of operation. Offshore wind offers Virginia a reliable, long-term source of energy that can improve the state’s energy resilience and help meet renewable energy goals.
Economic benefits and local job creation
CWOW is already driving economic growth and job creation throughout Virginia. Nearly 1,000 workers have been engaged across the country, with more than 800 based in the Hampton Roads area alone. As the project moves from construction to operations, job demand will increase, with Dominion estimating that more than 1,000 positions will be needed for ongoing operations and maintenance.
Addressing concerns around CWOW
CWOW has faced pushback despite its promise, particularly regarding the project’s cost, environmental impact, and logistical challenges.
- Costs to payers: Some consumer advocates worry about the potential impact on prices, as the high upfront cost of the project could ultimately hurt consumers. Performance guarantees were requested to protect interest payers if CWOW did not perform, although such a guarantee is complex on such a scale.
- Environment and marine ecosystems: Environmental groups have raised concerns about the project’s impact on marine ecosystems. Construction noise and seabed disturbance can disrupt fish habitats and endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale. Dominion is working to mitigate these risks, although the long-term effects remain under observation.
- Challenges related to logistics and reliability: Offshore construction requires specialized equipment and skilled labor, which face limited supply. In addition, the variability of offshore wind necessitates grid balancing; Dominion plans to support this by leveraging a diverse energy portfolio.
These concerns underscore the complexity of large-scale offshore wind development, highlighting the need for strategic management and careful planning as CWOW progresses.
Paving the way for offshore wind in the US
Now 43% complete, CWOW demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale offshore wind in regulated markets, solidifying Dominion’s leadership in renewable energy development. Each phase of the project moves Virginia closer to its renewable energy goals and sets a precedent for similar projects across the country.