|
|
|
Happy Friday!
April 18, 2025
|
|
|
|
We are proud to have two episodes up on our America First Energy Podcast with a third on the way! Energy Right’s Ben Wilson shares some of his background, expertise, and insights on Southwest Virginia’s unique position in the ever-changing energy sector.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pushing Hot Air or Local Commodity?
Brunswick County’s Dual-Use Landfill
|
 |
|
|
|
Natural gas projects utilizing brownfield sites and developed landfills are a smart, forward-thinking approach to energy development. These initiatives capture methane emissions, preventing a potent greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere in addition to turning landfills into dual-use sites, supporting waste management and generating clean energy.
Brunswick county recently embraced energy diversification by approving a small-scale project aimed at expanding their energy portfolio. Faced with growing demands and an evolving energy landscape, these communities sought a balanced approach to sustainability, opting for natural gas capture technologies as a reliable, practical solution. By integrating these projects, they are strengthening their local grid while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources—paving the way for cleaner, more resilient energy systems.
For communities hesitant about solar, wind, or nuclear, landfill gas capture provides a reliable and scalable energy source without requiring major infrastructure changes. This technology allows municipalities to tap into local energy generation while reducing dependence on external energy suppliers to improve overall energy security and resilience.
Additionally, repurposing brownfield sites, as they’re called, for energy production has significant economic benefits. These projects create local jobs, attract investment, and provide revenue streams from energy sales—stimulating economic growth while rejuvenating previously neglected land. By transforming industrial sites into hubs for energy innovation, we enhance environmental stewardship without expanding our industrial footprint.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stronger Grid, Stronger Economy: The Case for Industrial Investment
|
|
|
|
|
Expanding America’s manufacturing base is one of the most effective ways to create jobs, drive local investment, and strengthen regional economies. That principle was on full display with the recent announcement that Integer, a global medical manufacturer, will add 83 new jobs through an expansion in Salem, Virginia. Investments like these not only bring job openings, but they also generate tax revenue, bolster supply chains, and support contractors and small businesses in the surrounding area. For communities looking to build long-term prosperity, manufacturing growth lays a critical foundation.
As competition for these projects intensifies, access to affordable, reliable energy is quickly becoming a deciding factor. Manufacturers need confidence in the grid to power around-the-clock operations, especially those working in advanced sectors like clean energy, precision tooling, and medical devices. Virginia’s ongoing investments in energy infrastructure—including solar, battery storage, and small modular reactors—position the Commonwealth to meet that need. Communities that prioritize energy resilience are more likely to attract job-creating industries looking to expand in stable, forward-looking markets.
Onshoring the production of next-generation technologies, from semiconductors to renewable energy components, strengthens our supply chains and keeps innovation local. At the same time, it creates new career pathways in engineering, construction, and logistics—all anchored by the energy capacity that fuels this growth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This week our team went to Botetourt, Brunswick, Charlotte, Halifax, and Nottoway counties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Botetourt County Historical Museum
|
|
|
|
This week, the Energy Right team had the opportunity to stop in at the Botetourt County Historical Society to learn a bit more about what makes Botetourt so exceptional! Understanding our history and what binds our communities together is essential as we look to invest for the future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inaugural Southwest Virginia Solar Summit
Press Release by Appalachian Voices
|
|
This May, the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is hosting the inaugural Solar Virginia Solar Summit for residents and local governments of Southwest Virginia. The event will be open to the public on May 21 between 3 and 7 p.m. on the UVA Wise Campus.
The event will feature a series of short panels and presentations on all things solar energy, a live solar competition for middle and high school teams, and live local musicians. Solar companies, solar agriculture companies, non-profit organizations, local businesses, and more will be set up around the event to answer questions from attendees.
Registration is free and comes with a free food ticket and access to all musical performances and kids’ activities. Community members may come and go as they are available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEXT WEEK
We’ll be going to Botetourt, Henrico, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Southampton, Roanoke City, and Wise counties!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virginia Tech has secured a $1.3 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to lead hydrogen innovation in Southwest Virginia. The initiative will focus on producing turquoise hydrogen from regional natural gas using catalytic methane decomposition, aiming to lower emissions and boost economic development. With partners across academia and industry, the project will also invest in rural education and workforce training, positioning Southwest Virginia as a leader in clean hydrogen technology and energy diversification.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
