Dominion Energy Virginia plans to add 12 GW of new solar PV capacity over the next 15 years
It is part of its 2024 IRP that the company has submitted to the Virginia SCC
The plan also includes the addition of 3.4 GW of new offshore wind and 4.5 GW of BESS capacity
US utility Dominion Energy Virginia plans to add 12,000 MW of new solar capacity to its portfolio over the next 15 years under the company’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which it filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
This solar capacity plan represents over a 150% increase to the 4.75 GW it currently has in its portfolio either under operation or under development. It also plans to add small modular nuclear reactors starting from the mid-2030s, as per the 2024 IRP.
Under the plan, it also proposes to add 3.4 GW of new offshore wind, and 4.5 GW of new battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity. In all, it says that nearly 80% of the incremental power generation over the next 15 years will be carbon-free, with 20% coming from natural gas which will act as the source of reliable backup power.
This proposed capacity addition factors in the power demand in its delivery zone that’s expected to grow 5.5% annually for the next decade, and double by 2039.
Additionally, it has also proposed more than 1 GW of new solar projects in Virginia, in a separate filing with the SCC on October 15, 2024. If approved, these will expand its solar fleet in operation or under development to exceed 5.75 GW in Virginia.
“No single energy source, grid solution or energy efficiency program will reliably serve the growing needs of our customers. We need an "all-of-the-above" approach, and we are developing innovative solutions to ensure we deliver for our customers,” said President of Dominion Energy Virginia, Ed Baine.