Virginia now has the most substantial renewable energy contract in the United States at 420 megawatts, thanks to a decision by Governor Ralph Northam last week.
Northam’s move is in line with Executive Order Forty-Three, which mandates 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050, 30 percent of which needs to be accomplished within the next ten years. According to Utility Dive, the contract draws from solar and wind, leading to energy production that meets 45% of Virginia’s yearly energy demand. Virginia will obtain 325 megawatts from Dominion Energy solar farms, and 75 megawatts from the first onshore wind farm in the state, powered by Apex Clean Energy.
“With this landmark contract, Virginia is leading by example and demonstrating how states can step up to combat climate change and advance a clean energy economy,” said Governor Northam in a government press release.
Since Governor Northam started his post in 2018, the Commonwealth has granted 23 solar permits totaling over 800 megawatts of energy, and is currently allocating $20 million from the Volkswagen Settlement to phase out diesel school buses. Virginia is also working on another offshore wind project off the coast of Virginia Beach, with NASEO affiliate Ørsted, a Denmark-based energy company, which aims to power the equivalent of 650,000 homes.
To learn more about how energy is advancing in Virginia, click here.