Welcome to ArticleXI.com!
We are a group of environmental advocates united in providing a one-stop source for Virginia's environmental news. We each focus on different issues, but share the vision of a Commonwealth that preserves and protects its natural resources. Please join us!
Damn! I'm speaking on the same program as Stephen Walz! See agenda on the flip.
With funding support from the state, the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC) has studied the engineering feasibility, cost, and economic development potential of Virginia's offshore wind resource.
VCERC has identified large areas of powerful Class 6 winds located in relatively shallow waters beyond 12 nautical miles offshore on the outer continental shelf off Virginia Beach. These areas are suitable for installing commercially proven monopile-based offshore wind turbines sufficient to meet at least 20% of Virginia's annual electricity demand. The immediate commercial opportunity would entail a 20-year build-out, ensuring new career-length jobs in the Hampton Roads maritime industry, and creating thousands of new jobs throughout the state, with a cost of energy less than that from a new coal-fired generating plant.
Learn more at this community meeting:
When: Thursday, May 14, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Westin Town Center, 4535 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach
Sponsors: City of Virginia Beach, SAIC and VCERC
7:00 PM - Greetings and Comments:
Official Greetings from the City of Virginia Beach.
Steve Walz, Director Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, will lead discussion on the potential for offshore wind, the overall strategy for wind energy, sustainability and economic growth for Hampton Roads communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
7:20 PM - Public Process and Stakeholder Support:
Neil Rondorf of SAIC will deliver a brief update on key efforts by municipal and state leaders.
George Hagerman of Virginia Tech will lead discussion on federal regulation of offshore wind in Virginia and the nation.
Participants will hear the perspectives of key community, environmental and local business interests. Invited speakers include representatives from Sierra Club (YOURS TRULY!) and the Virginia Resort Advisory Committee. City Council Members and State Legislative Representatives will be given the opportunity for comments and questions, followed by questions from attendees.
8:20 PM - Job Growth and Business Development:
Tim Wilkins of Paliria Energy will give a presentation of Energy Economics. Topics will include job creation estimates and business opportunities for offshore wind, as well as discussion of human resource development, workforce training and coordination with Virginia educational institutions and communities. This session will establish the framework for business listing and solicitation as part of this emergent marine energy industry.
User comments or postings reflect the opinions of the responsible contributor only, and do not reflect the viewpoint of the Sierra Club and/or the League of Conservation Voters. The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any posting. The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters accepts no obligation to review every posting, but reserves the right (but not the obligation) to delete postings that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate.
ArticleXI.com is paid for and authorized by
Virginia League of Conservation Voters PAC, 530 East Main Street, Ste. 410, Richmond, Virginia 23219, (804) 225-1902 and
Sierra Club VA PAC, 422 E. Franklin Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 225-9113.
Damn! I'm speaking on the same program as Stephen Walz! See agenda on the flip.
