Following a request for proposals, Gov. Ralph Northam, D-Va., says the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) has selected BVG Associates to help develop strategies to support the state’s offshore wind development.
According to the governor, the firm’s work will build on Virginia’s “advantages and opportunities” and provide recommendations to enhance the state’s port assets and maritime workforce.
“It’s time for Virginia to take significant steps forward to secure our clean energy future, and I look forward to working with BVG Associates to establish Virginia as the prime location for the offshore wind industry, from the supply chain to the full build-out of Virginia’s offshore wind resources,” states Northam. “We hope that this effort will help enhance Hampton Roads’ unmatched port infrastructure and high-quality maritime workforce and ultimately lead to substantial economic and job growth in the commonwealth.”
BVG Associates is also leveraging its North American and global partners, including Ramboll Group A/S, Timmons Group, Greentree Consulting LLC and the Business Network for Offshore Wind. BVG Associates will also work with Virginia’s offshore wind team, which will include individuals from DMME, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade’s Office, the Virginia Port Authority, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia maritime industry, and other local and regional partners.
“DMME’s comprehensive leadership role, reinforced by Virginia’s unique operational and economic advantages, will enable the offshore wind industry not only in Virginia but all along the U.S. East Coast,” says Andy Geissbuehler, BVG Associates’ advisory director. “BVG Associates and its partners are excited to combine European experiences and U.S. expertise to collaborate with Virginia to plan leveraging its assets towards a location of choice for the offshore wind supply chain and service industry.”
“BVG Associates will assist Virginia in its aggressive pursuit of offshore wind supply chain and service industry business interests along the East Coast,” adds John Warren, DMME director. “We are excited to work with an independent team of experts with global experience on this long-term economic development opportunity to capitalize on Virginia’s logistical and workforce advantage.”
Northam has also announced the launch of www.vaoffshorewind.org, a one-stop shop to educate asset holders and industry prospects about offshore wind opportunities in Virginia.
