|
|
|
HAPPY FRIDAY
October 18, 2024
|
|
|
|
Welcome to Energy Right’s weekly roundup! This week our team went to half a dozen counties around the
Commonwealth on our mission for
Clean Energy the Right Way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE SOLAR SHIFT
Big Gains with Lower Prices in 2023 Utility-Scale Projects
|
 |
|
|
|
The U.S. is experiencing a significant shift towards solar energy as our utility-scale solar sector continues to expand rapidly and communities strive for energy independence. According to the latest report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2023 saw the addition of 18.5 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale solar capacity, bringing the total to over 80.2 GW across 47 states. This growth has been accompanied by a substantial decrease in costs, with the average
installation cost dropping by 8% last year. Since 2010, solar installation costs have decreased by 75%, making it more competitive and affordable than ever.
The report also highlights solar’s financial advantages—recent solar projects generated more economic value than their development costs, leading to $1.1 billion in benefits in 2023. The broader economic impact becomes even more apparent when considering how solar energy can reduce the overall need for other power sources, yielding substantial savings in electricity markets. This combination of cost reduction and economic benefits makes a strong case for further investment in solar power as a practical and financially sound energy source.
The future of solar energy looks especially promising, with a pipeline of 1,085 GW of solar projects in the planning stages by the end of 2023. More than half of these projects include energy storage solutions, such as pairing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with battery systems. In fact, last year saw a record 5.3 GW of new PV+battery hybrid capacity added, which enhances the value and reliability of solar energy by storing electricity for use during times when the sun isn’t shining. The added development of PV+battery alongside the ever-decreasing costs of solar projects shows a clear way forward when working towards a stronger energy grid as a nation, and a more independent energy grid as a state, city, or even county.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wisdom Guides, Youth Drives
|
|
|
|
|
Localities in Virginia have the power to shape their energy future, but many approach solar and clean energy projects cautiously, often due to past unmet expectations or a desire to preserve local traditions. This cautiousness, while understandable, highlights a key factor that is sometimes overlooked: the balance of seniority within local decision-making bodies. Many boards are composed of long-serving members deeply rooted in the community, whose insights and experiences bring a commitment to preserving the county’s way of life, while newer members bring fresh perspectives and a readiness to embrace opportunities for future growth.
Counties like Brunswick, Isle of Wight, Appomattox, and Westmoreland have found a “sweet spot” by having a balanced mix of veteran leaders, newer members, and those with middle-ground experience. This composition allows for productive discussions where seasoned members ask tough questions, newcomers advocate for forward-thinking projects, and experienced middle-grounders help bridge the gap. As a result, these counties have been able to advance solar projects, demonstrating how open dialogue, and a willingness to meet in the middle can benefit local communities.
The example set by these counties shows that success lies in respecting criticism and caution while remaining open to future growth. By combining the wisdom of long-standing members with the enthusiasm of newer voices, local governments can confidently navigate energy development. This balanced approach doesn’t mean rushing into every proposal or dismissing concerns, but rather using the collective strengths of diverse perspectives to pursue progress that serves the entire community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This week, our team travelled to:
Franklin, Halifax, Lunenburg, Powhatan, and Sussex counties as well as Roanoke city.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This week, the Energy Right team had the opportunity to take a trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains
to visit with local Franklin County leadership as they discuss and craft their new comprehensive plan! This region is incredibly beautiful during this time of year, and we hope to see even more of it as we continue our trips throughout the Commonwealth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dominion files energy plan that includes more wind, nuclear
|
|
Dominion Energy Virginia’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan outlines a 15-year strategy focused on expanding renewable energy to meet growing power demand in Virginia and North Carolina. The plan proposes adding 3,400 megawatts of offshore wind, 12,000 megawatts of solar, and 4,500 megawatts of battery storage, while incorporating small modular nuclear reactors by the mid-2030s. Although natural gas will continue to play a backup role, Dominion aims for 80% of its energy mix to be carbon-free, driven by a diverse approach that adapts to technological advancements and regulatory changes.
Amid significant growth in power demand,
Dominion’s projects include the $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) farm set for 2026 completion, new offshore wind leases, and grid infrastructure improvements. The company has also taken steps to explore nuclear options, with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently extending the operational licenses for North Anna’s reactors. These efforts align with the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act’s goal of achieving carbon-free electricity by 2045. Dominion’s current energy mix includes natural gas (36%), nuclear (29.2%), and renewables (5%), with plans to significantly increase clean energy generation over the next decade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEXT WEEK
We’ll be going to Brunswick, Buchanan, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Scott counties.
Have a great weekend!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Marcus Gray called to his border collie, Trip, as the black-and-white dog raced around a herd of
sheep grazing among rows of shiny solar panels.
‘Come by! Away! Down!’ Gray shouted.
Trip responded, alternately crouching and darting forward, urging the ewes off a grassy field and onto a dirt-and-gravel path running through the 620-acre Crystal Hill Solar facility in Halifax County.
The solar panels creaked as they tilted slightly on their hinges, tracking the sun behind clouds on an overcast September morning.
Gray and Trip continued moving the sheep toward another part of the property, where the more than 200 ewes would resume eating grass and weeds around the solar panels. The animals keep the plants in check, take shade breaks under the panels and are kept safe from predators by on-site ‘guardian dogs.'”
See the link above for the full article!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
