Barry Law Environmental and Earth Law Journal

Twenty-seven miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, Dominion Energy is using wind to create environmentally friendly energy. [1] This electric utility company is the first of its kind to have constructed an offshore windfarm in the United States. [2] Offshore wind energy provides an alternative, green way to create energy. [3] In order to utilize this energy, an offshore wind turbine, in the company’s pilot program, is cemented in the water at about 80 feet below the surface with its blades extending above the ocean at more than 600 feet tall. [4] The turbine converts the energy provided by the wind into electricity by the wind physically moving the blades attached to the turbine. [5] This process is like that of the movement of helicopter rotor blades which enable a helicopter to lift through their spinning motion. [6] The blades on the turbine are linked to a drive shaft which enables electricity to be produced through the support of an electric generator. [7] The winds experienced offshore have shown to be stronger in nature and a more efficient use of resources than gathering wind from land. [8] By taking advantage of these notable wind rates, this creates a beneficial utilization of offshore windfarms. [9]

            Currently, Dominion Energy has two wind turbines in use in its pilot program of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. [10] These are notable in that they are the first wind turbines to be installed in United States federal waters. [11] The benefit that these wind turbines create should not be understated. For the two wind turbines installed, it is estimated that they will save the environment up to 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. [12] Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is responsible for about seventy-five percent of emissions. [13] In 2019, carbon dioxide was measured to be entering the atmosphere at an all-time high. [14] This greenhouse gas is commonly distributed by the burning of resources such as coal, oil, and gas. [15] Dominion Energy has an ambitious goal of completing this project in 2026 which will in turn provide power to an estimated 660,000 homes in the state of Virginia. [16] As a continued benefit to this project, upon the wind farm’s complete construction, an anticipated 1,100 jobs will be available. [17]

            You might be wondering how the energy obtained twenty-seven miles from the shore will be available on land to provide electricity to homes. The two pilot wind turbines are linked to a grid through lower voltage wires. [18] The electricity created by these pilot turbines is being transported to an existing point of connection within Dominion Energy’s electrical system located on land by a line that was buried about 6 feet below the ocean’s floor. [19] For the future of this project, this means of transportation, through the implementation of new electric lines, will enable Dominion Energy to facilitate the movement of this electricity from the wind turbines to a current substation they have onshore. [20] From there, the affected businesses and homes in the state of Virginia will be able to be supported from the converted energy obtained in this offshore wind farm. [21] Please see the image below, provided by Dominion Energy, for a visual representation of this movement.

Dominion Energy is working with representatives of varying industries in the community to ensure that the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is a beneficial and responsible addition to the environment. [22] The company is also taking input from the public surrounding this project and their plans thus far. If you wish to get involved as a community member, click here. For a list of frequently asked questions about this initiative, click here.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this project is the dedication to net-zero emissions. [23] Dominion Energy is a company that seeks to preserve our environment and push for clean energy, all while serving the needs of their community. [24] It is comforting to know that there are organizations like Dominion Energy who provide essential services to their roughly 7 million customers and at the same time continue to care deeply for the future of the Earth when making decisions surrounding those services. [25] As with the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, this consideration is manifested through a project that leads them asea.

Written by Shayla Alltop, EELJ Associate Editor