Virginia’s Massive Offshore Wind Fleet Surges Forward Despite Political Headwinds

A powerhouse of renewable energy is rising off Virginia’s coast. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is making waves as America’s largest offshore wind development. After receiving federal approval in October 2023, the project is moving ahead with plans to install up to 176 massive wind turbines about 24 miles off Virginia Beach.

When complete in 2026, these turbines will generate 2,600 megawatts of clean electricity – enough to power more than 900,000 homes across the region. Each turbine stands as a marvel of engineering, producing 14.7 megawatts of electricity, making them among the most powerful in the world.

The project isn’t just about turbines. Workers are laying 231 miles of cables to connect the windmills to three offshore substations. Nine export cables, stretching about 350 miles, will carry the electricity to shore at Virginia Beach. From there, it’ll flow into the regional power grid.

Massive undersea cable networks—spanning hundreds of miles—form the invisible backbone of Virginia’s offshore wind revolution.

Portsmouth Marine Terminal is getting a $233 million upgrade to support this massive undertaking. The improvements include 1,500 feet of new wharf space where workers will assemble and load the giant turbine components. The first eight monopile foundations were delivered to the terminal in late October 2023, marking a significant milestone in the construction timeline. Meanwhile, LS GreenLink USA is building a $681 million undersea cable factory in nearby Chesapeake.

Jobs are flowing into the region along with the investment. About 900 workers will be needed yearly during construction, with 1,100 permanent positions created once the wind farm begins operating. The cable factory alone will employ 330 people. This development follows the global trend where wind energy development significantly benefits local economies through job creation and infrastructure improvements.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management oversees the project as part of the national goal to create 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. Though recent political shifts have created some uncertainty for renewable energy projects nationwide, construction continues without delay. Recent reports indicate the project is now halfway completed with 78 of the 176 turbine foundations already installed as of March 2025.

Environmental concerns haven’t been ignored. The final design avoids sensitive marine habitats and accommodates existing navigation routes. The massive project represents a major step forward in Virginia’s clean energy evolution.