US utility Dominion Virginia Power doesn’t expect to build a 12MW demonstration offshore wind project until 2021 at the earliest, according to the company’s latest Integrated Resource Plan.
The company is mainly focused on solar and natural gas development and demand side conservation, as outlined in the long-term energy forecast.
The two-turbine demo has been delayed while Dominion works to reduce the cost and risks after the estimate nearly doubled to $400m. The latest cost estimate is closer to $300m.
The project, designed with a pair of GE Haliade 150 6MW turbines installed about 40km off the coast of Virginia Beach, lost $40m in federal funding last year after Dominion requested a time extension.
The research project is meant to inform development of Dominion’s 2GW commercial lease area, but that is on hold.
The utility said it is “committed” to all types of renewable energy as long as they are “commercially viable and at a reasonable cost”.
“One challenge facing offshore wind development is its complex and costly installation and maintenance when compared to onshore wind,” said Dominion.
Image: Deepwater Wind
Dominion demo on life support
12MW US project won't be built to 2021 at the earliest, says utility
By EBS