Virginia veterans recently recognized the national security benefits of offshore wind, highlighting the impact of Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), Dominion Energy’s on-budget and on-time offshore wind project, which is expected to complete construction in 2025 and send power to the grid in 2026.
In a letter to the Virginian-Pilot, U.S. Army veteran and Virginia resident James Barry wrote, “As a veteran of the U.S. Army and a resident of Hampton Roads, I know that energy security is national security and any risk to our grid should be of grave concern…It’s common wisdom not to put all your eggs in one basket. When the stakes are our national security, energy resilience becomes even more critical. Offshore wind will enhance grid resilience and support the broader energy infrastructure that Virginia relies on.”
Additionally, U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (VA-02), a U.S. Navy veteran, recently testified in front of the House Ways and Means Committee, underscoring the important role offshore wind plays in fortifying American national security: “I have seen the benefits of clean energy firsthand again in my district through investments in offshore wind, which has not only brought significant economic gains and job growth but is benefiting our United States Navy bases. Upgrading and improving our military bases continues to be a top priority of mine as a Navy veteran, and offshore wind has allowed us to harness the power of America’s renewable energy to support the countless military installations along the Atlantic coast.”
Kiggans continued, “As someone who represents one of the most military-heavy districts in the country, I know that energy security is national security.”
Read James Barry’s full letter about offshore wind and energy security in the Virginian-Pilot below:
This month’s cold snaps raise the potential of a strained electric grid, highlighting concerns about Virginia’s energy security and the impacts on our economy, our military installations and residents across the commonwealth. As a veteran of the U.S. Army and a resident of Hampton Roads, I know that energy security is national security and any risk to our grid should be of grave concern.
The good news is that solutions are within our grasp. Continued development of offshore wind off our coast will go a long way toward meeting rising energy demand. Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will bring enough energy to the grid to power 660,000 Virginia homes, making it the second largest energy producing facility in the state. Further, winds off the coast are consistent during cold winter weather, reducing the strain on our grid. Generating energy through every available method is essential to maximizing our energy security.
Virginia’s leadership is no accident. Elected officials, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin being “all-in” on an “all-of-the-above” energy policy, are yielding results. In Washington, U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans’ continued leadership will be key to building on our progress to date.
It’s common wisdom not to put all your eggs in one basket. When the stakes are our national security, energy resilience becomes even more critical. Offshore wind will enhance grid resilience and support the broader energy infrastructure that Virginia relies on.