Dominion Energy eyes 1-GW solar, battery expansion in Virginia

Dominion Energy Virginia, part of utility Dominion Energy (NYSE:D), plans to add roughly 1 GW of solar capacity plus some battery storage to its portfolio by acquiring or contracting new projects in the Commonwealth state.

The company said on Thursday it has filed its proposal with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to own and operate 11 utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects, two small-scale distributed solar projects, one PV-plus-storage scheme, and a stand-alone energy storage project. Dominion estimates that the construction of the 15 solar parks and energy storage facilities will bring more than USD 880 million (EUR 748.1m) in economic benefits to Virginia and open close to 4,200 jobs.

The largest project on the list is the 150-MW Walnut Solar asset that was sold by a joint venture between Open Road Renewables and Eolian. The capacity of the other projects ranges between 18 MW and 80 MW.

The 3.6 MW of distributed solar projects, both to be purchased from Hexagon Energy, and the 20-MW stand-alone energy storage project that Dominion acquired from East Point Energy are expected to be completed in 2022. All other schemes are set to become operational in 2023.

Separately, Dominion is seeking to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 32 solar and energy storage projects, selected through competitive bidding. Once the entire capacity is switched on, it will produce enough electricity to supply over 250,000 homes at peak output. Dominion noted that apart from the SCC approval, the utility-owned projects will need local and state permits to enable their construction.

Under regulations in Virginia, Dominion is required to source 100% of its electricity sales in the state from clean energy by 2045.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.850)

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