Dominion Energy Virginia proposes nine new solar projects

Dominion Energy Virginia has proposed nine new solar facilities that would generate nearly 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy for customers.

This builds on what is already the third-largest solar portfolio among utility holding companies in the United States.

“This filing is another concrete step toward our commitment to bring more renewable energy to Virginia and build a clean, sustainable future for our customers and our Commonwealth,” Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia, said. “We are focused on adding significant renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, over the next 15 years while maintaining our commitment to excellent reliability and delivering an excellent value to our customers.”

Six of the nine new solar projects are power purchase agreements selected through a competitive solicitation process. The other three are utility-owned solar projects expected to provide over $100 million in direct and indirect economic benefits in Virginia. They include the Grassfield project in Chesapeake, which would provide 20 MW at peak output; Norge Solar in James City County, which would also provide 20 MW at peak output; and Sycamore Solar in Pittsylvania County, which would provide 42 MW at peak output. Each is subject to approval by the State Corporation Commission before construction begins.

These facilities will help Dominion Energy meet its obligations under the state’s Virginia Clean Economy Act, which generally requires that 100 percent of its electricity sales in the state be sourced from clean energy sources by 2045.

Also, Dominion Energy recently completed the construction of the first offshore wind turbines in federal waters and is making progress on developing the largest offshore wind project in the Americas.