Dominion Energy (NYSE:D) issued a statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Interior’s Director’s Order, which calls for a 90-day suspension of work on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project.
The company emphasized that the CVOW project is crucial for American national security and for addressing Virginia's rapidly growing energy needs, which are among the fastest in the nation.
This growth is largely driven by the necessity to provide reliable power to critical installations, including major war-fighting facilities, the world’s largest warship manufacturer, and the largest concentration of data centers.
Furthermore, the project supports the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
The statement warned that halting CVOW for any period could compromise grid reliability, especially for some of the most strategically important assets in the U.S.
The disruption would also result in energy inflation and the loss of thousands of jobs.
Dominion Energy highlighted that the CVOW project is American-owned and benefits Virginia customers.
The project has undergone a thorough review by Virginia state regulators, who assessed its costs and benefits in 2022.
Additionally, Dominion’s cybersecurity and physical security programs are among the strongest in the energy sector, with oversight from state and federal agencies.
The company noted that CVOW has been in development for over a decade, with extensive coordination with the military.
The project is located 27 to 44 miles offshore, minimizing visual impact concerns.
Its two pilot turbines have been operating for five years without negative impacts on national security.
Dominion Energy also pointed out the bipartisan support for the project and its impending capacity to generate 2,600 megawatts of energy, which is critical for Virginia’s growing energy grid.
This growth is vital for powering the state’s infrastructure, including the data centers driving the AI race, supporting military efforts, and aiding the production of nuclear warships essential for maintaining U.S. maritime dominance.
In conclusion, Dominion affirmed the necessity of a diversified energy strategy for Virginia, which includes natural gas, advanced nuclear, and renewable sources like offshore wind.
With electricity demand set to double, the state’s grid needs additional energy, not reductions.
Dominion Energy stands ready to take all necessary actions to ensure the timely delivery of these critical energy resources.