NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Virginia has moved one step closer to launching its first offshore wind project.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday that Dominion Energy has filed for approval from the State Corporation Commission to erect two wind turbines.
The initial demonstration project would stand about 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. If approved, electricity would begin to flow in 2020.
The power company has teamed up with Orsted, a Denmark-based energy firm.
Speaking in Norfolk, Northam said the pilot project would provide critical information that would allow the industry to expand.
The offshore wind industry would be operating in waters that are also used by the military and for commercial and recreational purposes.
Dominion said it's funding the $300 million project with no added costs to taxpayers.
