Dominion Energy Achieves Another Major Milestone for Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind with Installation of the First Monopile Foundation

Core Insights - Dominion Energy has successfully installed the first monopile foundation for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, which is the largest offshore wind farm currently under construction in the United States [1][8] - The CVOW project will feature 176 turbines, capable of powering up to 660,000 homes and is projected to save customers $3 billion in fuel costs over the first decade of operation [2][8] - The project is on track to be completed by late 2026, with ongoing monopile installations scheduled through fall 2024 and resuming in May 2025 [4][8] Environmental Considerations - To protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, monopile installations will be paused from November 1 to April 30, coinciding with the whales' migration [5] - Additional protective measures include the use of bubble curtains to minimize underwater sound during installation and the presence of Protected Species Observers on vessels [5] Economic Impact - The CVOW project is expected to create significant economic benefits, with over 800 Virginia-based workers currently engaged, including nearly 670 in the Hampton Roads region [6] - More than 1,000 local jobs will be required for ongoing operations and maintenance once the project begins commercial operation [6]