The Port of Virginia has reached an agreement to lease a portion of the Portsmouth Marine Terminal to Dominion Energy for its 2600MW offshore wind project.
It is hoped the move will dramatically accelerating the largest commercial clean energy offshore wind development in the United States and creating a place in Virginia for a new American industry to emerge.
Under the agreement, Dominion Energy will use 72 acres of the deep-water, multi-use marine cargo Portsmouth Marine Terminal as a staging and pre-assembly area for the foundations and turbines that will be installed 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (pictured) said: “This announcement is yet another milestone toward making Virginia the national leader in offshore wind power.
“The Commonwealth and Dominion Energy are standing together to promote clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and build a new American industry on the East Coast of the United States.”
Dominion Energy president Robert M Blue added: “This location at the Port of Virginia is second to none.
“It has deep water access, no overhead restrictions, a strong, experienced maritime workforce and sufficient space for these large wind infrastructure components.
“It is perfectly situated to serve the Virginia offshore wind project and grow the domestic supply chain needed to complete other offshore wind projects in the United States.”
The lease term is 10 years and includes an option for two five-year renewals.
The lease agreement includes significant upgrades to ensure the terminal can handle the weight of the large components that will be deployed to build the offshore wind turbines.
Once the components are loaded onto ships, the vessels will travel to the construction site 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach.