Renewable energy is produced by natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. It is replenished naturally at rates faster than it is consumed. Renewable energy generation also limits greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional, fossil fuel-based forms of energy generation. Developing a more cost efficient and environmentally sound energy industry that includes renewable energy provides a boost to Virginia’s economy, reduces pollution, and takes a significant step toward energy independence from foreign interests and unpredictable fossil fuel markets.

As of 2022, renewable resources provided about 11% of Virginia’s total electricity generation. The largest share came from solar energy generated by photovoltaic (PV) cells, which supplied almost 6% of the state's total net generation. This data, collected from the U.S. Energy Information Administration Virginia Profile Analysis, was primarily from utility-scale solar facilities of 1-megawatt (MW) and larger. Solar energy more than doubled in generation between 2020 and 2022 in Virginia. This growth is attributed in part to the Virginia Clean Economy Act, passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law in 2020. The law requires that Dominion Energy Virginia and Appalachian Electric Power retire their carbon-emitting electric generation facilities and produce 100% renewable energy through sunlight or onshore wind by 2045 and 2050, respectively. Other reasons for growth in the solar market include lower costs relative to fossil fuel facilities and maintenance, high demand for renewable energy by fortune 500 companies, and increase in energy demand for data centers. The amount of renewable energy projects continues to increase in Virginia as shown below in the chart. Note: this chart only identifies projects that have been permitted through the Virginia Small Renewable Energy Program and not those permitted by the State Corporation Commission. 

Applicants can obtain authorization from DEQ by agreeing to comply with construction and operating requirements. In 2019, Virginia’s objectives for statewide energy production were established: 

• By 2028, Virginia will achieve 5,500 MW of wind and solar energy. At least 3,000 MW of this target should be under development by 2022.
• By 2030, 30 percent of Virginia’s electric system will be powered by renewable energy resources.
• By 2050, 100 percent of Virginia’s electricity will be produced from carbon-free sources, such as wind, solar and nuclear. 

To stay informed on DEQ's renewable energy initiatives, sign up for email notifications from Virginia Regulatory Town Hall.