HISTORY
VIRGINIA’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Virginia has competitive advantages that position it well ahead of other states in attracting emerging nuclear technologies. With strong nuclear assets in academia, industry, and federal institutions, the Commonwealth is well positioned to pursue the most promising opportunities. In order to capitalize on these advantages to bring about the vision of the “Virginia is Nuclear” plan, key stakeholders came together to create the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub (VIN Hub).
The VIN Hub would facilitate industry and the Commonwealth working together to help meet the goals of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2022 Energy Plan, and to accomplish advanced nuclear demonstration projects that will promote Virginia’s leadership in nuclear energy solutions for the world’s pressing energy, economic, environmental, and national security needs.
LEGISLATIVE TIMELINE
SB 1138 creates the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium
SB 458 establishes planning and development for new nuclear are in the public’s interests
SB 1348 directs the state Department of Energy to establish energy career clusters for workforce development
SB 828 amends the definition of carbon-free energy to include nuclear
SB549 directs multiple state agencies to work with VNEC to include nuclear energy in Virginia’s carbon free strategy
Governor’s Energy Plan calls for a Nuclear Innovative Hub
SB 1464 creates the Virginia Power Innovation Fund to jump start the development of innovative energy technologies in Virginia and begins the process of creating a Virginia nuclear innovation hub.
HB 1779 creates the Nuclear Education Grant Fund to award competitive grants to Virginia colleges and schools for the creation of employment and training pathways in the nuclear power industry
Virginia’s Nuclear Energy Consortium
A key driver of Virginia’s potential nuclear energy future is the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC). The consortium consists of universities, utilities, and reactor technology companies ranging from developers to nuclear fuel companies. VNEC’s mission is to sustain and enhance the Commonwealth of Virginia as a national and global leader by serving as an interdisciplinary business development, research, training, and information resource on nuclear energy issues.
VNEC developed and submitted the “Virginia is Nuclear” Strategic Plan in early 2021 to advance Virginia’s nuclear energy industry. Through VNEC and their work, Virginia is well poised to bring the VIN Hub into reality. With an existing nuclear workforce, a variety of companies involved in nuclear innovation and operation, and a university system that can support the next generation of engineers, experts, and technologist, Virginia is among few states with the level of infrastructure required to develop the VIN Hub.
