News Headlines

Grants Approved for Wind Turbines off Virginia's Coast

Posted: 7:26 PM Dec 12, 2012

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Energy has announced awards to speed the development of offshore wind projects, and Dominion Virginia Power is among the recipients.

The grants announced Wednesday provide up to $4 million for each recipient to complete engineering, design and other costs. The Dominion award is for two 6-megawatt turbines off Virginia Beach.

The turbines will use what is called "twisted jacket" foundations, which use less steel but maintain their strength.

Oceana's Nancy Sopko says the awards provide much-needed support to a growing and promising industry. The ocean advocate said offshore winds provide clean, renewable energy while creating thousands of jobs.

The federal government plans to sell leases for wind farms off the coast of Virginia next year.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)