Offshore wind benefits are taking shape for Virginia – Daily Press

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, approved in January by the U.S. Office of Ocean Energy Management, will consist of 176 wind turbines located nearly 50 miles off the coast and provide clean, reliable energy to 660,000 Virginia homes. The project will bring economic growth and jobs to Virginia Beach and throughout the Commonwealth, now and for years to come. And although the project has entered the not-so-exciting construction phase and talks about it are ongoing, we must still keep in mind the long-term benefits and opportunities offered by offshore wind energy.

The economic impact study projected that approximately 900 direct and indirect jobs would be created each year during construction of the Coastal Virginia offshore wind farm. Once completed, the project is expected to support 1,100 jobs annually, providing more than $82 million in wages and benefits each year. This represents a significant economic boost for the region and demonstrates the project’s potential to not only provide clean energy, but also to significantly impact the local workforce.

As the project progressed, we saw investment taking place in the region. Thanks to this project, the Port of Virginia is already well-positioned to become a hub for industry as deliveries related to the wind farm construction have begun to arrive in recent months. In April, Charybdis, the first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine assembly vessel in the United States, was launched from land after being built in Brownsville, Texas. During its construction, Charybdis created over 1,100 jobs. Upon arrival, the vessel will be based in Hampton Roads and will play a major role in supporting both the CVOW project and the growing offshore wind industry.

Earlier this month, the first six single-pile foundations were also loaded onto the installation vessel and arrived at the project site. Having ‘passed the first test’, it is now abundantly clear that our ports are proving they are capable of supporting this rapidly evolving industry. This means that investments in the Hampton Roads area will certainly continue.

The number of employees supporting the offshore wind industry is also growing throughout the Community. This project prepares Virginians for a future in the industry. New College Institute in Southwest Virginia recently launched Virginia’s first wind energy technician training program and has partnered with Centura College and Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy to open a new wind energy training academy. Centura College in Hampton Roads has already graduated dozens of Global Wind Organization-certified graduates through its Wind Turbine Technician program, and these graduates are ready to work installing, inspecting and repairing turbines once the program launches. Virginia is more than prepared to meet the need for workers, and this industry will provide many people with successful, lifelong careers.

The positive impacts of offshore wind go far beyond our workforce and economy. The environmental benefits of switching to renewable energy sources are essential in the fight against climate change. By harnessing the power of the wind, we are contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Virginia Beach and beyond. Dominion Energy has conducted extensive research over the years and has put in place measures to ensure that ocean life and bird species are protected throughout the construction and operation of this project.

The turbines will be difficult to see from shore because they are too far from the coast and because of the Earth’s natural curvature. Although they are easier to spot in the evening or from high altitude, the potential visibility has been proven to have minimal impact on tourism and may even attract sustainable energy tourism. For me this is a worthwhile compromise. Because while it is extremely important to address local concerns and the construction noise some people hear, it is equally important to recognize that these projects are laying the foundations for a sustainable and prosperous future for our region. This is not a perfect solution, but it is a necessary inconvenience that will have long-term economic and environmental benefits.

The offshore wind industry provides an unprecedented opportunity for Virginia Beach to lead the nation in sustainable energy practices, creating a legacy of success for generations to come. As we overcome the challenges of today, let us keep our eyes on the promising horizon of offshore wind energy, ensuring a brighter and cleaner future for our state and region.

Dr. Joel A. English is president of Centura College in Virginia Beach.