Dominion Energy has filed a lawsuit against the US government, challenging a 90-day suspension order for its Coastal Virginia offshore wind farm. The company, which is developing the nation's largest offshore wind project with an investment of 11.2 billion USD, claims the administration's action is "arbitrary and unreasonable." This halt is reportedly causing Dominion Energy daily losses exceeding 5 million USD.

The Coastal Virginia project, slated for completion in early 2025, was one of five offshore wind initiatives targeted by the Department of the Interior for a 90-day pause. The stated reason for the suspension was unspecified national security risks. Dominion Energy's lawsuit seeks a federal judge's intervention to block the order, arguing that the administration failed to provide detailed justifications for these alleged risks.

Wind turbine components and support vessels of Dominion Energy at Portsmouth Marine Terminal, 22/12, in Portsmouth, Virginia, US. *Photo: AP*

The Coastal Virginia wind farm is designed to feature 176 turbines with a capacity of 2 GW, capable of powering approximately 660,000 households. Construction for the project began in early 2024. The daily financial impact of the suspension, exceeding 5 million USD, primarily stems from the costs associated with specialized construction vessels that were booked years in advance. Dominion Energy warns that these escalating costs will ultimately be borne by the company or future electricity consumers.

Dominion Energy further asserts that it has successfully operated two turbines within the project area for five years without encountering any national security concerns. The company also highlighted the project's viability, which was established through years of collaboration with various regulatory agencies and military units.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, an agency within the Department of the Interior, has yet to comment on the lawsuit. Meanwhile, US district court judge Jamar Walker has scheduled a hearing for the case on the afternoon of 29/12.

Dominion Energy's situation is not isolated. Other offshore wind farms impacted by similar suspension orders from the Trump administration include Vineyard Wind 1 in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island, Sunrise Wind off Long Island and New England, and Empire Wind 1 off Long Island. The governments of four states - Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York - have also voiced their opposition to the administration's directive.

Liz Burdock, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oceantic Network, a trade group representing offshore wind companies, characterized the halt order as "an attempt to cover up the fact that the President doesn't like offshore wind." Burdock cautioned that such actions could lead to increased electricity prices and the loss of thousands of American jobs.

Bao Bao (AP, Virginian Pilot)