Reactors

Dominion Energy eyes developing small modular reactor in Virginia

While not a firm commitment to build an SMR, the utility said the project would be located at the North Anna Power Station.
Dominion Energy eyes developing small modular reactor in Virginia
(North Anna Power Station Unit 1. Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.)

Dominion Energy Virginia announced it has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from nuclear technology companies to evaluate the feasibility of developing a small modular reactor (SMR) at the company’s North Anna Power Station in Louisa County, Virginia.

While Dominion stressed the RFP is not a commitment to build an SMR at North Anna, the company said it is an important first step in evaluating the technology and the North Anna site.

The company announced the news at an event at North Anna. Company leaders were joined at the event by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Virginia State Senator Dave Marsden, Virginia State Senator Mark Peake and Louisa County Board of Supervisors Chair Duane Adams, among other local and state leaders.

“For over 50 years nuclear power has been the most reliable workhorse of Virginia’s electric fleet, generating 40% of our power and with zero carbon emissions,” said Robert M. Blue, Chair, 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, SMRs have the potential to be an important part of Virginia’s growing clean energy mix.”

“The Commonwealth’s potential to unleash and foster a rich energy economy is limitless,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “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. In alignment with our All-American, All-of-the-Above energy plan, small nuclear reactors will play a critical role in harnessing this potential and positioning Virginia to be a leading nuclear innovation hub.”

The company also announced that it intends to seek rider recovery of SMR development costs in a filing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) expected in the fall. This step was enabled by bipartisan legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly earlier this year.

The legislation contains cost caps limiting current SMR development cost recovery to no more than $1.40 per month for a typical residential customer. The company said it anticipates its initial request will be “substantially” below that limit.

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