Dominion launches 1.25 GW renewable energy tender in USA

Dominion Energy Virginia in the USA has issued a request for proposals soliciting bids for up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar and onshore wind generation and up to 250 MW of energy storage in the Commonwealth. This is the largest solicitation in the Company's history for renewable energy in a calendar year and will promote its efforts toward a clean energy future.

Projected expansion of offshore wind, solar, and energy storage development amounts to approximately 24,000 new megawatts of renewable energy and storage capacity over the next 15 years.

The long-term IRP includes:

• More than 5,000 megawatts of offshore wind is planned by 2035, including the 2,600 MW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project already announced by Dominion Energy. This offshore wind deployment—the largest in North America—has a targeted in-service date of late 2026.
• Dominion Energy's solar fleet, already the 4th largest among US utility holding companies, is projected to grow significantly as the Dominion Energy Virginia long-term IRP calls for the development and procurement of approximately 16,000 megawatts in the state over the next fifteen years.
• Energy storage capacity is projected to expand to approximately 2,700 megawatts, meeting the most ambitious targets in the country set in the VCEA. This includes battery storage pilots already approved and scheduled to be online in Virginia next year.

While the company's generation fuel mix will change dramatically over the years to come, what will not change is our obligation to provide reliable, around-the-clock energy to our customers. All IRP plans assume the relicensure of the company's four nuclear units to continue producing 24/7 zero-carbon emissions electricity. Additionally, based on limitations, such as existing battery storage technology and the variable nature of renewables, natural-gas fired generation will continue to play a critical, low emission role in our system for decades to come. Also included in this year's filing is a significant increase in energy efficiency programs to meet the 5% energy sales reduction target by 2025 set by the VCEA. 

Dominion Energy recently announced a new companywide goal of achieving net zero emissions, covering both carbon dioxide and methane in its power generation and natural gas operations across 20 states by 2050. This IRP and RFP align with Dominion Energy's net zero by 2050 commitment.

Bidders seeking more information on the competitive bidding process and the RFP submittal documents should visit the tender page here.