Dominion Energy Virginia partners with Virginia State on battery storage project
Dominion Energy Virginia is working with Virginia State University to develop a battery storage project that would provide backup power for the college’s Multi-Purpose Center (MPC).
Dominion Energy tapped EnerVenue to manufacture the 1.5-megawatt battery that will be installed on the university’s Ettrick campus, located in southern Chesterfield County. The MPC hosts athletic events, conferences, concerts, and other community events.
EnerVenue’s Energy Storage Vessels use metal-hydrogen technology, a variation of what’s used in the aerospace industry. They can discharge energy for up to 10 hours.
“With longer-duration batteries, we can store energy from renewables for longer periods of time so it’s available when our customers need it the most. We’re thrilled to partner with Virginia State University on this cutting-edge project,” Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia, said.
Also, Virginia State plans to use the backup battery as a teaching tool for students pursuing in careers in the energy sector. The university will develop curriculum for students in VSU’s College of Engineering and Technology.
“Our collaboration with Dominion Energy marks a significant step in advancing sustainable energy solutions,” Dr. Dawit Haile, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, said. “This partnership offers invaluable hands-on experiences for students and workforce development while reinforcing our commitment to innovative research in clean energy technologies. We’re thrilled to offer transformative learning experiences and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The project is expected to be in operation by the end of 2027, pending approvals.
This is one of several proposed to the Virginia State Corporation Commission in September. At another location in Henrico County, Dominion Energy plans to test two other pioneering battery storage technologies, including one that can discharge power for up to 100 hours. Most battery storage in the U.S. is currently limited to four hours or less.
In August Dominion Energy broke ground on what will be its largest battery storage facility at Dulles International Airport. The company currently operates four other battery storage sites, in Powhatan, Hanover, New Kent and Chesterfield counties, and has a sixth installation under development in Sussex County.
“These projects could be game changers for how we store energy and deliver it to our customers,” Baine added.
