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Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind marks a significant advancement in renewable energy with its first monopile foundation installed, promising clean energy for thousands of families
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, with a capacity of 2,6 gigawatts (GW) and intended to be the largest offshore wind farm in the United States, has achieved a significant milestone with the installation of its first monopile foundation. Carried out by heavy cargo ship Orion, from Grupo DEME, the foundation was installed approximately 29 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, according to the Electrek website.
US wind farm project details
Developed and owned by electric utility Dominion Energy, the US CVOW wind farm project will feature 176 14-megawatt (MW) Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, three offshore substations and new onshore transmission infrastructure. This wind farm is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will provide electricity cleans around 660 thousand families, in addition to creating 1.100 jobs during construction and operation.
Monopile foundations are steel tubes driven into the seabed to support wind turbine generators. They were manufactured by EEW SPC, based in Rostock, Germany, and are being assembled at the Portsmouth Ferry Terminal.
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Economic and environmental impact
The largest offshore wind farm in the US promises to generate fuel savings of $3 billion to customers during the first 10 years of operation. Additionally, Dominion Energy is taking significant measures to minimize environmental impact during the installation of monopile foundations.
Installation of the monopiles will continue as planned until the fall of 2024. However, there will be a pause from November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025 to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale during its period of migration through the area. project.
Marine life protection measures
To safeguard whales and other marine life, Dominion Energy is implementing various protective measures. These include the use of bubble curtains, which are perforated hoses that pump air to form a bubble barrier around the monopiles during installation, helping to dampen underwater sound waves. Furthermore, protected species observers will be on board the ships to ensure compliance with speed restrictions, avoiding collisions with whales.
Robert M. Blue, President and CEO of Dominion Energy, stated: “We are taking comprehensive precautions to ensure this project fully protects the environment and marine species.”
Future of offshore wind in the US
The CVOW project represents an important step in the U.S. commitment to renewable energy and reduction of carbon emissions. Scheduled for completion in 2026, this offshore wind farm will not only provide clean energy to hundreds of thousands of families, but will also contribute significantly to the local economy and job creation.
The successful installation of the first monopile foundation is indicative of Dominion Energy and its partners' continued progress in developing sustainable and efficient infrastructures. The combination of advanced technology, environmental protection measures and a long-term strategic vision positions the CVOW project as a model for future renewable energy projects around the world.
