Approval of a wind-energy research plan in the federal waters off Virginia’s coast is a pathway to commercial sector development, the state’s governor said. The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced consent for the first-ever wind energy research facility offshore Virginia. The research plan envisions the installation of two 6-megawatt turbines, which could generate enough power to meet the annual demands of 3,000 homes. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe said federal approval supports state plans to become the first in the nation to advance an offshore wind energy program. “This research project is the gateway to commercial development of offshore wind which will help diversify our Commonwealth’s energy […]