Group aims to gain support for wind energy hub

VIRGINIA BEACH

Political and business leaders announced Friday the formation of a group to promote building a wind energy farm off the coast and to attract businesses to supply what members hope will be an emerging green industry.

Members of the new group, the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition, said they want to make Hampton Roads and Virginia a national wind energy hub.

"This is an immense opportunity," said Josh Prueher, vice chairman of the coalition and president of Earl Energy, a Portsmouth renewable energy firm that's part of Earl Industries, a ship repair company.

He estimated the industry could create 10,000 jobs and be worth $80 billion to the region. Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms said he wants Hampton Roads to be the "Silicon Valley" of wind energy.

But competition is fierce as at least 10 East Coast states pursue offshore wind-to-electricity projects and vie to attract the big European turbine manufacturers.

In Virginia, one hurdle will be getting the military to sign off on the plan. The Navy and Air Force have expressed concerns about how an offshore wind farm would affect training exercises and radar but have not taken a formal position.

U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, who was at Friday's announcement, said he's working to get clarification from military leaders about what they would support.

"We just want them to give us some guidance," he said.

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, who was at the announcement, reiterated his hope that the old Ford plant could be converted to make turbines.

The group is forming one year after a study by scientists and energy experts concluded that a wind farm off Virginia Beach's coast is feasible.

The most viable project would include about 200 turbines, each nearly 500 feet tall at their highest point, placed 12 to 15 miles offshore, the study said.

Money is another hurdle. The group is seeking $3 million in state funding to erect pilot towers in the ocean to collect wind data.

Del. William Janis, R-Glen Allen, and Sen. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, have introduced bills to create the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority to push wind energy projects. Virginia Beach state Sen. Frank Wagner has proposed similar legislation.

If approved, the 11-member governor-appointed authority would seek federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the proposed legislation says.

Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com