One of the largest producers of energy in the U.S., Dominion Virginia Power has today announced plans to develop 400 MW of solar PV projects in the state of Virgina.
The project is penciled in for completion by 2020 and would see the utility build enough solar PV capacity to power 100,000 local households.
According to the company, the project will require some $700 million in investments, with a number of Virginia-based companies set to be involved with the creation of the solar plants.
Dominion is currently working to identify suitable sites for the projects, which will bolster its solar portfolio to more than 1 GW the company currently has 744 MW of solar generating capacity in development, and recently filed an application to build the first large-scale PV plant in the state of Virginia: a 20 MW project close to Remington Power Station in Fauquier County.
"Our commitment to solar energy is an important part of the immediate future of our state," said Dominion Resources CEO and president Thomas F. Farrell II. "Technology has evolved in such a way that we see a long-term benefit for our customers and will work to lead the way in solar generation."
State governor Terry McAuliffe recently upped efforts to promote renewable energy across Virginia, remarking: "If we are going to build a new Virginia economy we must be leaders in the energy economy of the future."
Dominion Virginia Powers plans have the backing of both the governor and Delegate David E. Yancey, who has revealed he is sponsoring legislation during the 2015 Virginia General Assembly that will seek to promote utility-scale solar development.
"I believe these solar projects that Dominion is planning will offer Virginia the most cost-effective path forward, while cultivating our local solar industry," Yancey said.
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