A marvel of engineering and technology is happening about 27 miles off the coast of Virginia: The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project.

Dominion Energy is in the final stages of testing the pilot for the project – two 6 MW wind turbines. These turbines began producing electricity about a year ago – October 15, 2020.

Checking in to explain the project and how it is progressing is Kevin Carroll, Director of Operations and Maintenance for CVOW.

Carroll, a retired Coast Guard captain, shares that Dominion is prepared to begin constructing 180 additional turbines for the commercial venture as soon as 2024.

In this podcast, Carroll explains how the project manages safety, construction, training, and risks (such as to waterfowl, marine life, and shipping).

He also describes how turbines work, how they connect from the sea to the shore’s electrical grid, the economic benefits of wind as an energy source and job creator, and the importance of partnerships and public participation.

Lastly, Carroll shares the general steps that will be taken between now and the construction of the commercial venture in 2024.

Dominion Energy has an ambitious target of having all 180 turbines online and capable of powering 600,000 homes by 2026.

Learn more:

• Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW)
  
• Bureau of Ocean Energy Management – Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project
  
• Project Chart (Nautical Map)
  
• Bureau of Energy Management Office of Renewable Energy Programs 2014 Environmental Assessment:
  

“The purpose of the Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects is to verify innovative designs and technology developments and validate full performance and cost under real operating and market conditions. The Proposed Action would fulfill DOE’s goals of installing innovative offshore wind systems in U.S. waters in the most rapid and responsible manner possible; and expedite the development and deployment of innovative offshore wind energy systems with a credible potential for lowering the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).”

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