Virginia is taking significant strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future with the recent approval of over a dozen new solar projects. These projects, sanctioned by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), are set to provide Dominion Energy with a substantial boost in its clean energy capacity.
Expanding Dominion's Solar Fleet:
The Virginia State Corporation Commission has given the green light to 17 solar farms, collectively capable of generating 764 megawatts (MW) of clean power for Dominion Energy Virginia. This move underscores Virginia's commitment to transitioning towards renewable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint.
Key Projects:
The four solar farms owned by Dominion include the Beldale Solar (57 MW) in Powhatan County, Blue Ridge Solar (95 MW) in Pittsylvania County, Bookers Mill Solar (127 MW) in Richmond County, and Michaux Solar (50 MW) in Henry and Pittsylvania counties. Construction of these projects is expected to create over 1,600 jobs and generate more than $570 million in economic benefits across the state.
Clean Energy Transition:
Upon completion, Dominion Energy will boast over 4.6 gigawatts (GW) of approved solar farms in Virginia, a significant milestone in its transition toward clean energy. This capacity is sufficient to power more than 1.1 million homes at peak output, highlighting the utility's commitment to sustainability. With a customer base encompassing over 2.5 million homes and businesses, Dominion plays a pivotal role in driving Virginia's clean energy agenda forward.
Forward Momentum:
Ed Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia, emphasized the utility's dedication to advancing the state's clean energy transition. Through investments in offshore wind, battery storage, and solar power, Virginia is making remarkable progress towards achieving its renewable energy goals.
Virginia's Solar Potential:
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Virginia ranks 11th among states for installed solar capacity and is projected to climb to ninth place within the next five years. Despite coal currently being the leading source of net electricity generation in the state, solar energy's share is steadily increasing, accounting for 6.56% of Virginia's electricity consumption as of December 2023.
Virginia's approval of these new solar projects marks a significant milestone in its journey towards a more sustainable energy future. With Dominion Energy at the helm of these initiatives, the state is poised to emerge as a leader in renewable energy adoption, setting a precedent for others to follow.