The US state of Virginia (8.5 million inhabitants) has set a goal to reach 30% of renewable in its power mix by 2030 and 100% of carbon-free sources by 2050.
The state aims to achieve 5,500 MW of onshore wind and solar generating capacity by 2028, and at least 3,000 MW of this should be under development by 2022. The development of capacity will be ensured by a set of procurement targets for power utilities. Dominion Energy has committed to procure up to 500 MW/year of utility-scale solar and onshore wind through a competitive procurement process, as well as annual procurements of smaller-scale solar. Appalachian Power has also initiated a competitive procurement process for 200 MW of utility-scale solar projects in Virginia, to be operational by end-2021. In addition, Virginia also aims to develop 2,500 MW of offshore wind by 2026.
The Senate Bill 966, signed in 2018, requires Dominion Energy to develop a 30 MW battery storage pilot program and Appalachian Power to develop a 10 MW battery storage pilot program. The state also aims to reduce retail electricity consumption by 10% by 2022 (compared to 2006 levels). As part of Senate Bill 966, Dominion Energy will invest US$870m and Appalachian Power US$140m million in energy efficiency programs within the next decade. The programme will be at least 5% financed by taxes.
The power sector represents approximately 30% of the CO2 emissions in Virginia.
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