The Virginia Department of Energy this week announced plans to explore deployment of an advanced nuclear reactor in southwest Virginia, which is the state’s traditional coal mining region.
“Southwest Virginia has powered our Commonwealth for generations, and now we have the chance to invest in that legacy with the technologies of the future,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) said in the state Department of Energy’s Monday press release. “This investment will create jobs, attract new industries, and help build a foundation for long-term growth in a region that has, time and time again, played a critical role in Virginia’s success.”
A $100,000 grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank and a $97,000 GO Virginia grant will be used to apply for private investment and federal funding to deploy the technology in the region.
Wise County, University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise), and the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub will lead a collaborative effort to prepare southwest Virginia for advanced nuclear deployment, Virginia Department of Energy said.
The Lenowisco Planning District Commission, which serves the Virginia counties of Lee, Scott, Wise and the city of Norton, will manage the initiative on the behalf of Wise County. Virginia Innovation Nuclear Hub will oversee planning and strategic coordination.
The project partners will produce a roadmap for deployment that aligns with regional assets and national priorities, Virginia Department of Energy said.
As Virginia’s largest source of primary energy production is nuclear, coal and natural gas have been the most prominent energy sources in southwest Virginia, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Virginia has two operating nuclear plants: North Anna and Surry, both run by Dominion Energy. Surry’s two units became operational in 1972 and 1973, respectively and North Anna’s two units became operational in 1978 and 1980, respectively.
