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Energy News Network: ‘Virginia is changing fast’ when it comes to clean energy

Posted by Elizabeth McGowan on Jul 19, 2018

This Energy News Network Q&A with Virginia AEE's Harry Godfrey, Executive Director, looks at Virginia's rapidly changing energy landscape and how the state can best succeed. Link to the full article here. Excerpts below:

In a sign of Virginia’s rapidly changing energy landscape, a national clean energy business organization is setting up shop in the state. The Virginia Advanced Energy Economy was launched in February and Harrison Godfrey was chosen as its first executive director. 

In an interview with the Energy News Network, Godfrey offered perspective on Virginia’s new pivot beyond fossil fuels. He explains how AEE can capitalize on efforts by the Virginia legislature and Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam to fold renewables into what’s shaping up as a more progressive energy portfolio.

Our five priorities are interdependent and include using energy efficiency and demand response more effectively; expanding market access to renewable energy sources; improving and streamlining the permitting regimes to accelerate the deployment of renewables; and integrating electric vehicles into a broad transportation infrastructure that reaches from passenger cars to municipal bus systems to port service vehicles.

Our fifth goal, which undergirds everything else, is grid modernization for the 21st century to give customers more flexibility and control. That goes beyond smart meters and other new technology. Just as important are regulations that ensure customers have more choices and control about energy use.

One highlight is Virginia’s first onshore wind project. Apex Clean Energy, based in Charlottesville, has approval to build 75-megawatt Rocky Forge Wind in rural Botetourt County. It’s exciting to show that onshore wind can be done here and we’re hoping to draw more of it.

Link to the full ENN article here.

Topics: United In The News