• Industry Overview
    • BOEMWindLeasePlanningAreas3.2024

    Strategic Mid-Atlantic Location

    Virginia’s central location on the East Coast offers strategic advantages for the offshore wind industry. Located in the Eastern Time Zone, halfway between Boston and Atlanta, Virginia is an excellent entry point for global offshore wind companies to gain access to major U.S. markets on the Northeast corridor, throughout the Southeast, and across the Midwest. For OEMs, the Hampton Roads region allows ready access to Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) offshore wind lease areas from North Carolina to New Jersey.

    Growing the Offshore Wind Industry Ecosystem

    Virginia’s vibrant industrial ecosystem provides an ideal home for the burgeoning offshore wind industry as it rapidly expands power generation capacity off the East Coast. Manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in Virginia benefit from the presence of military installations, federal research assets, and a robust maritime industry with major port, naval, and shipbuilding operations. 

    The Virginia Offshore Wind Landing is a collaborative office space where companies interested in establishing a presence in Hampton Roads can become part of the region’s maritime network and growing offshore wind industry. Located in downtown Norfolk, it offers companies a way to establish a physical presence in the region and tap into an unmatched network of peers and potential business partners. The purpose of the Landing is to develop a cluster of offshore wind companies and foster the growth of Hampton Roads and Virginia as an innovation and supply chain hub of the offshore wind industry. Founding members of the Landing include Atlantic Wind Transfers, Avangrid Renewables, AZCO, Burns & McDonnell, Crowley, Dominion Energy, Nexans, and Seaway 7. 

    Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Pilot Project, Dominion Energy

    Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project, Dominion Energy

    Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind

    Off the coast of Virginia, Dominion Energy is developing the East Coast’s only utility-owned offshore wind farm, with a capacity of 2,600 megawatts — enough energy to power 660,000 homes. The two-turbine, 12-megawatt pilot phase began supplying electricity to customers in 2020. Construction of the 180-turbine wind farm should be completed in 2026. 

    The Port of Virginia

    Virginia is home to the third-largest port on the East Coast, with several advantages that distinguish it from other U.S. Atlantic ports. The Port of Virginia, which is only 2.5 hours from open sea, features unrestricted access to the ocean, navigational flexibility, and deep, wide channels that are free of overhead obstructions, allowing easy passage of large and upright cargo. Now running on 100% clean energy, The Port of Virginia® is the first major US East Coast port to power its entire operation using 100% clean electricity, with commitments to become carbon-neutral by 2040. After completion of a $1.4 billion modernization and expansion project in 2024, The Port of Virginia will be the deepest port on the East Coast and one of the most advanced in the world.

    Terminal Locations, Hampton Roads Harbor (aerial)

    America’s Top State for Talent

    Ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for Education by CNBC, Virginia is home to a maritime workforce of nearly 37,000 and a strong manufacturing base employing nearly 242,000. The offshore wind industry draws talent from thousands of service members who exit the military in Virginia every year, and the state’s growing demographics and excellent school systems ensure a steady flow of new talent. Virginia’s K-12 schools are ranked No. 1 in the South and No. 5 in the U.S. (WalletHub, 2023), and its higher education system is ranked No. 2 in the U.S. (SmartAsset, 2022).

    The Mid-Atlantic Wind Alliance

    The Mid-Atlantic Wind Alliance is Virginia’s first training alliance dedicated to offering a full suite of wind energy-related training with Virginia locations in Hampton Roads and Martinsville. The Alliance was created by New College Institute, Centura College, and the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy, and supports offshore and onshore wind projects in Virginia and the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region, with the New College Institute serving as the host institution.

    Course offerings include a wide variety of wind energy-related disciplines and programs that range from preparing students for a particular certification to a year-long wind turbine technician program. The courses are certified by the Global Wind Organisation and the National Center for Construction, Education, and Research.

    Robust Portfolio of Waterfront Industrial Sites

    Virginia offers access to premier waterfront sites for the offshore wind industry. Major OEMs or suppliers requiring waterside access can find home in Virginia’s harbors. Numerous sites offer existing quayside infrastructure with large acreage, deep channels and unobstructed access to open sea.

    Fairwinds Landing Docks

    A 117-acre breakbulk marine terminal in Norfolk. The terminal accommodates large vessels requiring over 35-foot drafts and has on-dock rail access and no overhead obstructions to open seas.

    Fairwinds Landing Docks

    America's Top State For Business

    In 2024, Virginia was again named one of America’s Top States for Business by CNBC for its business-friendly regulations, stable tax environment, and competitive cost of doing business. Widely recognized as one of the best-run states in the country, Virginia ranked No. 2 for governance by U.S. News & World Report and has maintained a AAA bond rating since 1938, longer than any other state. Virginia’s state and local taxes are lower than the nationwide average, and the costs of leasing, construction, and utilities are competitive with other offshore wind hubs along the East Coast.

    CNBC_#1_Business_2024
    Forbes
    Business Facilities_#3_Business Climate_2023
    Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Pilot Project

    Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project

    Commitment to Renewable Energy

    In 2020, Virginia enacted the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which supports the growth of the offshore wind power industry and associated supply chain businesses. The legislation sets renewable portfolio standards and promotes the development of 5.2 gigawatts of offshore wind generation by 2034.

    Learn More About Offshore Wind in Virginia

    Read our brochure