The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project is poised to redefine what’s possible for clean energy development in the United States. Located approximately 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach in federal waters, CVOW is being developed by Dominion Energy as the largest offshore wind project currently under construction in the country—and one of the most ambitious infrastructure efforts in the history of Virginia.
Once completed in 2026, the project will consist of 176 Siemens Gamesa turbines, each rated at 14.7 megawatts, producing a combined 2.6 gigawatts of electricity—enough to power up to 660,000 Virginia homes. This clean, renewable power will feed directly into the grid serving millions of customers across the state, dramatically reducing the Commonwealth’s reliance on fossil fuels while delivering long-term cost savings, local job creation, and significant environmental benefits.
Construction is well underway. As of August 2025, over 130 turbine foundations have been installed, all undersea transmission cables are in place, and specialized U.S.-built installation vessels are being deployed from Virginia’s own shores. The project has overcome major regulatory and logistical hurdles to reach this point—securing all required federal and state permits, complying with rigorous environmental safeguards, and establishing a domestic supply chain that meets the requirements of the Jones Act and supports American workers. Dominion Energy reports that the project is roughly 60 percent complete, with major components on track for full deployment by the end of next year.
The benefits of the CVOW project extend far beyond electricity generation. Economically, CVOW is expected to generate more than $210 million in annual economic output once operational. The construction phase alone is supporting 900 jobs each year in Virginia, and over 1,100 long-term jobs will be created and sustained across operations, maintenance, logistics, and supply chain industries. Local communities in Hampton Roads are already seeing a transformation of port facilities and marine infrastructure to accommodate this emerging offshore wind economy, with Virginia emerging as a key national hub for offshore wind deployment.
Crucially, the project is also expected to reduce fuel costs by more than $3 billion over the first decade of operation, according to Dominion Energy filings with the State Corporation Commission. These savings stem from the fact that wind energy has zero fuel costs. Once the turbines are installed, their energy is essentially free, and these savings are passed along to consumers in the form of more stable and affordable electricity rates. This is one of the reasons why think tanks out of Texas, funded by the fossil fuel industry, have been working so diligently to stop the development of offshore wind in America. 
Despite temporary construction cost increases due to global supply chain pressures and federal tariffs, the net cost impact on a typical residential customer’s monthly bill is projected to be less than 50 cents—a strong return on investment for energy security, economic development, and long-term price stability.
Environmentally, the project is expected to avoid over 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, equivalent to removing more than one million gasoline-powered cars from the road. It plays a central role in helping Virginia meet its commitments under the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which mandates 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and sets a target of 5.2 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035.
Importantly, CVOW also serves as a critical demonstration of what state-level leadership and private-public partnership can accomplish in the face of political headwinds. While recent federal actions have temporarily paused new offshore wind leasing and permitting, CVOW is “grandfathered” under prior approvals and remains on track, offering a model of resiliency and momentum that can inspire other states and developers. Backed by bipartisan support from state officials, strong stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the project is uniquely positioned to thrive in any policy environment.
Virginia’s strategic decision to pursue offshore wind—through its own utility, its own workforce, and its own coastal infrastructure—is paying off. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is not just a symbol of energy innovation; it’s a functional, fully financed, and shovel-in-the-water energy resource that will serve the people of Virginia for generations to come. It reflects the promise of a diversified energy future—one where America leads not by clinging to the past, but by investing in the infrastructure, workforce, and technologies of tomorrow.
As electricity demand accelerates due to data center growth, electric vehicle adoption, and industrial reshoring, projects like CVOW are no longer just environmental solutions—they are economic and national security imperatives. The success of CVOW demonstrates that with smart planning, steady leadership, and a commitment to innovation, we can meet the moment and build an energy system that is cleaner, stronger, and more resilient.
Learn more: https://coastalvawind.com