Dominion Energy delves into possible development of an advanced nuclear reactor in Virginia

Dominion Energy Virginia on July 10 issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) that seeks estimates from small modular reactor (SMR) companies on their proposed costs to evaluate the feasibility of developing an advanced nuclear reactor at the company’s North Anna Power Station in Louisa County, Va.

“For over 50 years, nuclear power has been the most reliable workhorse of Virginia’s electric fleet, generating 40 percent of our power and with zero carbon emissions,” said Robert Blue, chairman, president, and CEO of Dominion Energy. “As Virginia’s need for reliable and clean power grows, SMRs could play a pivotal role in an all-of-the-above approach to our energy future.

“Along with offshore wind, solar, and battery storage,” Blue added, “SMRs have the potential to be an important part of Virginia’s growing clean energy mix.”

The company announced the RFP at an event held on Wednesday at its North Anna Power Station, noting that the RFP is not a commitment to build an SMR there, but it is considered an important first step in evaluating the technology and the site to support the future energy needs of Dominion Energy customers.

Company leaders were joined at the event by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Virginia State Sens. Dave Marsden and Mark Peake, as well as Louisa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Duane Adams, among other local and state leaders.

“The commonwealth’s potential to unleash and foster a rich energy economy is limitless,” Youngkin said. “To meet the power demands of the future, it is imperative we continue to explore emerging technologies that will provide Virginians access to the reliable, affordable, and clean energy they deserve.”

The governor added that SMRs “will play a critical role in harnessing this potential and positioning Virginia to be a leading nuclear innovation hub.”

Dominion Energy also announced that it intends to seek rider recovery of SMR development costs in a filing it will make this fall with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

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