TL/DR –

Dominion Energy’s playing Mother Nature, making waves and wind energy at VA Beach, starting by installing the first of 176 turbines. This clean energy tea is piping hot – $9.8 billion, 2.6-gigawatt project set to light up to 660,000 homes by 2026. Despite some beef from anti-wind groups wanting to protect the North Atlantic right whale, Dominion isn’t blowing hot and cold – construction pauses during whale migration.

Virginia Beach Offshore Wind Farm Construction Kicks Off

It’s happening, folks! Construction officially began at Dominion Energy’s anticipated 2.6-gigawatt Virginia Beach offshore wind farm.

The energy powerhouse reported that the Orion heavy-lift vessel set up the first wind turbine foundation, a steel tube dubbed a monopile, roughly 29 miles from Virginia Beach’s sunny shores. The Orion made its first journey from Portsmouth Marine Terminal last week armed with a fresh batch of monopiles.

“This monumental day shines brightly for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind team. We’ve remained committed to keeping this project budget-friendly and timely to provide our customers with affordable, sustainable energy,” shared Robert M. Blue, the big boss at Dominion Energy.

This ambitious 176-turbine, $9.8 billion venture is projected to power up to 660,000 homes upon completion in late 2026.

This key achievement, however, unfolds amidst opposition from several anti-offshore wind groups. They’ve lodged a federal lawsuit, claiming the project threatens the North Atlantic right whale. Dominion has responded by planning a hold on monopile construction during the whale migration season from November to April.

Original Story at www.pilotonline.com