News Roundup: New Solar Projects in Store for Virginia, the Changing Electric Grid, and Virginia’s Potential to be a Leader in the Offshore Wind Industry
What Virginia’s Electric Grid Could Look Like
All of the tools needed to build a renewable energy future already exist and are sufficiently affordable, Virginia simply needs the proper regulatory structure to support this future. Experience from other states has shown us that gas-fired “peaker” plants are becoming less necessary and, in many cases, superfluous. Virginia’s offshore wind potential alone is enough to satisfy Dominion’s net energy load. The best way forward for utilities and Virginia consumers alike is the development of a multi-directional grid with the ability to accommodate wind and solar. Read the story here.
Dominion acquires 240 MW-AC of solar in Virginia
Dominion has just reached a deal with a local solar developer, Urban Grid, to acquire two solar projects, totaling in 240 MW of power, once they are completed. The recent Grid Transformation and Security Act gives Dominion the ability to use its profits to invest in projects that would help strengthen and modernize the grid, including solar facilities like these. Each of these solar projects is larger than any Dominion-owned solar facility in Virginia. These projects will represent over 50% of Virginia’s installed solar capacity. Read the story here.
Virginia’s largest solar-generating facility in Spotsylvania would produce power for University of Richmond, Apple and others
Sustainable Power Group, or sPower, is a solar energy developer that wants to build a large solar facility in Spotsylvania County. The facility would generate 500 MW of power, all of which already has a dedicated buyer. Apple and the University of Richmond are among the businesses prepared to purchase power directly from this facility. The Virginia State Corporation has already approved the proposal, which allows sPower to move forward, however it still faces public hearings with the Spotsylvania Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to obtain the necessary special-use permit. This would be the largest solar facility in Virginia. Read the story here.
New report charts course for Virginia to become industry hub for offshore wind
A renewable energy consultant group, BVG Associates, recently released a report that demonstrates how Virginia could become the leader in the offshore industry – if the right decisions are made. According to BVG, Virginia could produce up to 2 GW of wind by 2028, which is enough to power 500,000 homes! If this were to come to fruition, Virginia would be able to reduce its reliance on out-of-state energy by 30% and create thousands of local jobs. The key is supply chain investments. With the right investments, Virginia will be poised to significantly expand offshore wind projects in the future and secure its place in the growing offshore wind economy. Read the story here.