Virginia Clean Energy Guide
Virginia has emerged as a clean energy leader in the Southeast with the landmark Virginia Clean Economy Act and the nation's largest single offshore wind project. The state's data center industry is driving significant renewable energy demand.
Source: American Clean Power Association
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Grid Operator: PJM
Virginia operates within PJM Interconnection, the largest grid operator in the US, serving 13 states plus DC with over 180 GW of generating capacity.
Learn more about PJMVirginia Clean Economy Act
The 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) established Virginia as a clean energy leader in the Southeast. The law mandates 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 for Dominion Energy and 2045 for Appalachian Power, with specific requirements for solar, wind, and storage.
Key VCEA Requirements
- Solar/Wind: 16,100 MW by 2035 for Dominion Energy
- Offshore Wind: 5,200 MW by 2034
- Energy Storage: 2,700 MW by 2035
- Energy Efficiency: Annual savings targets for utilities
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW)
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, developed by Dominion Energy, will be the largest offshore wind farm in the United States at 2.6 GW capacity. Located 27 miles off Virginia Beach, the project will feature 176 turbines and power up to 660,000 homes.
Project Development
CVOW construction began in 2024 following regulatory approvals. The project includes investments in port infrastructure at Hampton Roads and a Jones Act-compliant installation vessel. Full commercial operation is expected by 2026, with offshore wind contributing significantly to Virginia's clean energy goals.
Utility-Scale Solar Growth
Virginia has experienced explosive solar growth, driven by VCEA mandates and corporate demand from data centers. The state's solar capacity has increased from minimal levels in 2020 to over 5 GW, with projects concentrated in southern and central Virginia.
Data Center Demand
Northern Virginia hosts the world's largest concentration of data centers, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google operating massive facilities. These companies are major buyers of renewable energy, driving solar and wind development through power purchase agreements.
Key Developers Active in Virginia
- Dominion Energy: Major utility developing CVOW and utility-scale solar
- Apex Clean Energy: Major solar developer
- Ørsted: Offshore wind expertise
- EDF Renewables: Solar development
- Strata Clean Energy: Solar project developer
- Appalachian Power: Utility serving western Virginia
Challenges & Outlook
Virginia faces challenges including transmission constraints in the PJM queue, cost pressures on the CVOW project, and local opposition to some solar developments. Political changes have raised questions about commitment to VCEA targets.
Despite these challenges, Virginia's strong mandates, offshore wind progress, and data center-driven demand position it for continued clean energy growth. The CVOW project's success will be particularly important for the broader US offshore wind industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Virginia's clean energy goals?
The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) requires 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 for Dominion Energy and 2045 for Appalachian Power. The law mandates significant offshore wind, solar, and storage deployment with specific capacity targets.
How is offshore wind developing in Virginia?
Virginia is home to the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, one of the largest offshore wind developments in the US at 2.6 GW. The project, being developed by Dominion Energy, will be the nation's largest single offshore wind farm when complete.
What solar requirements exist in Virginia?
The VCEA requires Dominion to build or contract 16,100 MW of solar and onshore wind by 2035. Virginia has seen rapid utility-scale solar growth, particularly in the southern and central regions of the state.
How does Virginia's data center industry affect clean energy?
Northern Virginia hosts the world's largest concentration of data centers, creating massive electricity demand. Major tech companies are contracting for clean energy to power these facilities, driving significant solar and wind investment.