FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2020
Contact: Tarah Kesterson (276) 523-8146 Cell: (276) 356-3405
E-mail: [email protected]
Virginia Is All In for Offshore Wind New Recruiting Tool Highlights Unique Attributes for Developing Offshore Wind Industry
Hampton Roads, Va. – The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) released its newest recruiting tool today, a video highlighting the details of why the Commonwealth is the ideal place for offshore wind prospectors.
“Offshore wind will be an important economic driver for the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The industry creates high-paying renewable energy jobs and, with skilled workers already in place and a training program for new workers, Virginia is well positioned to be the East Coast hub for the offshore wind industry.”
Created by DMME and Old Dominion University, the video shows prospective businesses the Commonwealth’s unique assets. Drones capture the unique features of Hampton Roads and allows viewers to get a first-hand look at the infrastructure already in place. Within five minutes, viewers can learn the history and investments associated with this growing industry and find out why existing infrastructure and workforce is conducive to the supply chain needed for turbine construction.
“Virginia is well positioned and literally made for a growing offshore wind industry,” said DMME Chief Deputy Jennifer Palestrant. “Our channels, ports, workforce, location and much more are really a package deal for those wanting to get in on this exciting opportunity.”
With $100 billion being invested over the next decade and a dedicated workforce-training program in place, Virginia sends the message it is serious about this industry. Offshore wind businesses located in the Commonwealth say they are already seeing the benefits of investing here.
“With Hampton Roads’ first-rate industries, deep-water shipping and rail access and strong maritime workforce, the region is uniquely positioned to become the epicenter for a U.S.-based supply chain to support the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry,” said G.T. Hollett, Dominion Energy Director of Offshore Wind. “Our company is proud to be a part of the incredible effort that the Commonwealth of Virginia and Hampton Roads have undertaken to establish a domestic supply chain to capitalize on this growing industry and reignite the economy with new clean energy jobs and new tax revenue.”
Choosing Virginia provides potential businesses the opportunity to serve the East Coast offshore wind market. Hampton Roads is a central location for existing and future offshore wind projects, which can be reached by boat in less than two days.
Virginia is already proven a leader in offshore wind. The Commonwealth began working toward developing its offshore wind industry in 2009 with the construction of two offshore wind turbines in the Commonwealth of Virginia Offshore Wind project area 26 nautical miles from the shores of Virginia Beach in the summer of 2020.
Legislation also proves the commitment to offshore wind and clean energy. The Virginia Clean Economy Act was passed in 2020, stating that 5,200MW of offshore wind energy is in the public interest and that Virginia is to run on 100-percent clean energy by 2050.
Those interested in more information on developing an offshore wind business in Virginia should contact DMME Chief Deputy Jennifer Palestrant at (804) 692-3201 or [email protected].