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Virginia energy plan models four net-zero paths by 2050 with 1.2 to 1.8 GW of new solar a year

Gov. Abigail Spanberger's energy plan, unveiled Oct. 1, models four utility pathways to net-zero carbon by 2050 under 85% electricity demand growth, assuming most but not all proposed data centers are built. Each pathway adds 1.2 to 1.8 GW of solar per year, and three emphasize data center demand flexibility. The plan puts total future energy costs at up to $422 billion and suggests, based on Dominion data, that the tech industry could contribute $265 billion through 2050.

Why it matters

The plan lacks the force of law, but it may inform regulators weighing Dominion's gas plant proposals and data center reforms, so Virginia developers should expect cost allocation and demand flexibility to be part of the discussion.

Original reporting: Canary Media

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