Dominion Energy Virginia approved to launch nine solar facilities to supply nearly 500 MW
Dominion Energy Virginia got the regulatory approval last week to create its largest group of new solar projects yet: nine solar facilities capable of providing nearly 500 MW of power.
The projects advance two goals: Dominion’s aim for net zero emissions and the hopes of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). The latter demands 16,100 MW of solar or onshore wind energy to either be proposed to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) or in operation by 2035. The VCEA was meant to support the development of enough renewable energy to power more than 5 million homes.
Current predictions put the new Dominion Energy projects as capable of powering 125,000 homes.
“This is another major step forward in building a clean energy economy in Virginia,” Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia, said. “Our customers deserve reliable and affordable energy, and they also deserve a clean environment. These projects will help us deliver on that promise.”
The VCEA also requires that one-third of all this incoming renewable energy must be acquired through power purchase agreements (PPAs). Accordingly, six of Dominion’s new solar projects are PPAs selected by competitive solicitation. Dominion will own and operate the remaining three projects in Chesapeake, James City County, and Pittsylvania County.
