This blog entry was written by Allie Brown, former Clean Energy Advocacy Manager at SACE.
Guest Blog | June 3, 2016 | Energy Policy, WindVirginia has great potential for wind energy development within the state. Advanced wind turbine technology and reduced costs have now made wind energy economically feasible throughout Virginia. Taller turbines and longer blades are capable of capturing more wind, thus reducing wind energy prices.
As turbines increase in height, Virginia contains a much greater area of land viable for development both onshore and offshore. The shading on the map (left) represents new available land for wind development with modern turbine towers of 360 feet (110 meters) achieving a 35% capacity factor or greater. Over 7,000 MW of onshore wind potential may exist in Virginia.
Apex Clean Energy has recently proposed two wind farms in the state: Rocky Forge Wind (75 megawatts) and Pinewood Wind (180 megawatts).
With new opportunities on the horizon for wind energy development in Virginia, SACE is excited to attend the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) State Wind Energy Forum – Virginia on June 22 to learn more about the benefits and challenges of Virginia’s potential for land-based and offshore wind industry. At this State Forum, attendees will gain expertise and insight from over 30 industry speakers as they cover everything from Virginia’s technology developments & economics to challenges to development and permitting to Virginia energy futures.
Attendees will learn about the benefits and challenges of Virginia’s potential for land-based and offshore wind industry from state policy, industry, government, and other thought leaders. Topic will include state wind markets, grid integration, wildlife impacts and mitigation, local economic development benefits, and water and air impacts. SACE’s own Allie Brown will be speaking on a forum that evaluates trends and opportunities for wind energy development across the entire Southeastern region. To learn more and register, click here.
As a bonus, the following day, June 23, will feature the Virginia Offshore Wind Forum, which is the first of its kind in Virginia. This forum is intended to stimulate dialogue and facilitate relationship building among the stakeholders engaged in and supportive of the future offshore wind industry in Virginia and the U.S. To register, click here. Please note these are two separate events that require their own registration.
We hope you can join SACE at both forums on June 22 & 23!