Increasing the deployment of renewable energy is essential for reducing emissions and promoting energy independence. Establishing regional and locality-specific goals for solar megawatt (MW) production provides clear targets for renewable energy adoption, encompassing both distributed and utility-scale solar projects. Streamlining the approval process for solar installations, supporting shared solar that directly benefit communities and minimize land use impacts, and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels can help buffer residents from high electricity costs and improve air quality by reducing pollution from burning fossil fuels.

This measure is most appropriate for localities and private businesses.

KEY ACTIONS

NEAR TERM

1. Adopt automatic permitting processes, such as SolarApp+. Key Actors: Localities
2. Establish regional and local goals for solar production, at both the distributed and utility scales. Key Actors: Regional entities, localities
3. Pursue SolSmart designation at the local and regional levels to reduce the soft costs of solar development. Key Actors: Localities, regional entities
4. Define and implement a pathway for low-to-moderate income residents to participate in a community solar program through program design and/or financing support options. Key Actors: Localities, state agencies, private businesses
5. Identify parcels for potential shared solar projects and publish requests for information from solar developers to explore possible rate savings for residents. When shared solar projects are pursued, as much capacity as possible should be allocated to low-income customers.
6. Collaborate with utilities to expand existing programs and/or develop pilot programs to adopt solar ready homes and distributed renewable energy, storage, and peak management. Key Actors: Localities
7. Encourage options to reduce emissions from backup power systems, such as replacing diesel generators with natural gas generators. and increase efficiency. Key Actors: Private businesses, localities

VISIONARY

1. Replace diesel and natural gas generators with battery storage. Large battery storage systems at the scale needed to provide on-site backup power are not currently cost-effective, but in the future technology advancements could make them more attractive options. Key Actors: Private businesses, localities
2. Deploy Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. Pair CHP plants with fuel cells to realize even greater efficiency. Utilize hydrogen blends and/or pure hydrogen in place of natural gas, if available. For more information on CHP systems and fuel cells, see Appendix X. Key Actors: Private businesses, localities.
3. Conduct feasibility studies for district energy. Key Actors: Localities, Private businesses. District energy systems can be considered in planning for new commercial and industrial campuses, wastewater treatment facilities, and any other source of waste heat. District energy systems carry hot water or steam through insulated pipes to provide energy or heating for nearby buildings.

Outcomes

This measure supports achievement of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which is driving the state’s electric grid towards a net zero emissions future. A key component of the successful implementation of VCEA is deploying clean energy resources across the state and ensuring a reliable grid throughout the transition. Supporting the development of grid-scale clean energy and enhancing grid resiliency is essential for increasing the capacity and reliability of the energy grid while promoting clean energy adoption. This necessitates collaboration at all levels, with localities supporting resource deployment in a sustainable manner and ensuring their priorities are met (e.g., promoting biodiversity alongside clean energy projects and using under-utilized land for project siting). These efforts will collectively foster a more reliable and sustainable energy system in the Richmond MSA.

This measure is most appropriate for state agencies, local governments, non-profits, and regional entities.

KEY ACTIONS

NEAR TERM

1. Advocate for the Pollinator Smart standards for solar projects to be adopted as requirements at the state level. Incorporate adherence to Pollinator Smart practices into local solar ordinances. Key Actors: non-profits, state agencies
2. Advocate for state-level policies that support clean energy development and adoption while preserving local autonomy. Advocate for expanded local authority over solar requirements. Key Actors: Non-profits
3. Advocate for the continued support of the Virginia Clean Economy Act and to close loopholes in the legislation that allow utilities to avoid meeting portfolio standards. Key Actors: Non-profits
4. Encourage local governments to enter into clean energy agreements with utilities.
5. Explore Power Purchasing Agreements for municipal energy needs. Key Actors: Localities

VISIONARY

1. Prioritize solar development on brownfields, such as closed landfills. Key Actors: non-profits, state agencies
2. Study geothermal potential in the region. Key Actors: Private businesses, state agencies
3. Improve and accelerate the interconnection process for distributed energy resources. Key Actors: state agencies
4. Evaluate the potential for district energy systems to recycle waste heat from data centers or wastewater treatment facilities. Key Actors: Localities, private businesses

Outcomes