The Siemens Gamesa announcement could be a turning point -- one that Steve Dayney, the company's head of offshore wind in North America, called an important first step to reach the 30 GW by 2030 goal.The Siemens Gamesa blade finishing facility will be part of a larger offshore wind hub at the Port of Virginia, alongside partners Dominion Energy and Orsted.

Siemens Gamesa of Spain, a manufacturer of wind turbines, was announcing plans for up to 310 jobs in the region as part of the ramp-up to building what will be the largest offshore wind farm in the United States. The wind farm would have a generating capacity of 2,640 megawatts, but generating capacity is a hazy concept for most people. The easier to understand numbers are jobs.

Over the next decade, the offshore wind industry could transform the way North Carolina gets its power. It could also mean big investments and major changes for the economy.

U.S. power utility Dominion Energy and Spanish turbine maker Siemens Gamesa said on Monday they will build the first U.S. factory to make blades for offshore wind power, part of plans to make a regional supply hub for the industry.

Check out the WINDSday newsletter celebrating the power of wind, clean energy and a green environment in Virginia Beach and all of Hampton Roads.

Join us for a ports focused edition of our CVOW Friday Forums on November 19th. Our experts from the Port of Virginia, Seajacks, and Dominion Energy will discuss the important role Virginia's ports will have in the offshore wind supply chain.

On November 4th, 2pm-3pm, Nancy Grden, AVP for ODU’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, will discuss the recently published TEConomy Report, “Pathway for Maritime Innovation in Hampton Roads” about regional maritime opportunities and the increased focus on the blue economy of the region and ODU.

This will be an online event hosted on Zoom. 10 in-person tickets will be offered for the event.