In a groundbreaking development, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, set to be the largest offshore wind farm in the US, has reached a significant milestone by successfully installing its first monopile foundation. The monopile was placed by DEME Group’s heavy lift vessel, The Orion, approximately 29 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. The project, with a capacity of 2.6 gigawatts, will be owned by Dominion Energy and will boast 176 Siemens Gamesa 14-megawatt wind turbines, along with offshore substations and onshore transmission infrastructure.
What?
The monopile foundations serve as crucial support for the wind turbine generators and were produced by EEW SPC in Rostock, Germany. Dominion Energy plans to continue the installation of monopiles until the fall of 2024, with a temporary pause from November 2024 to April 2025 to protect the North Atlantic right whale during its migration. Protective measures, including bubble curtains to minimize underwater sound waves and speed restrictions on vessels, aim to safeguard marine life throughout the construction process.
Why Does It Matter?
Upon completion in 2026, the CVOW project is expected to provide clean energy for about 660,000 households and create 1,100 jobs, contributing to significant fuel savings totaling $3 billion for customers in the initial decade of operation. The initiative underscores a shift towards renewable energy sources in the US, aligning with broader sustainability goals and reducing reliance on traditional power generation methods.
How Is It Going to Shape the Future?
The successful installation of the first monopile at the CVOW project marks a crucial step in the growth of offshore wind energy infrastructure in the United States. By prioritizing environmental protection measures and implementing innovative technologies like bubble curtains, the project sets a standard for sustainable energy development. As the largest offshore wind farm in the country, CVOW signifies a pivotal advancement towards a cleaner, more resilient energy grid and reinforces the importance of responsible renewable energy practices.
As the momentum for renewable energy continues to build, projects like CVOW demonstrate the viability and potential of offshore wind as a key contributor to the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.
Source: https://electrek.co/2024/05/23/us-largest-offshore-wind-farm-first-monopile/