by Morgan Sweeney
Four of seven locations the Navy is considering for potential shore-based nuclear power sites are in Virginia, according to information recently released by the department.
Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Naval Support Activity South Potomac in Dahlgren, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, and Marine Corps Base Quantico are the sites under consideration. Installations in Maryland and North Carolina are also being considered.
“We’re thrilled at the Navy’s recognition of Virginia as the prime location for nuclear innovation,” said Glenn Davis, director of Virginia Energy. “Our robust nuclear infrastructure, skilled workforce, and supportive policy environment make Virginia the ideal partner for advancing critical technologies that will benefit our commonwealth and country.”
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin replaced his predecessor’s energy strategy in October 2022 with the All-of-the-Above energy strategy, which aimed to take a more multifaceted approach to the state’s clean energy transition. Nuclear energy has always played a part in that vision, in particular through the hoped-for construction of the nation’s first commercial small modular nuclear reactor.
“An ‘all of the above’ approach… includes natural gas, nuclear, renewables and embraces innovation and emerging technologies that will meet the diverse needs of the Commonwealth’s residents and businesses now and in the future,” the plan reads.
The Virginia Department of Energy applauded the potential locating of several shore-based nuclear power sites in the commonwealth, saying it “highlights the commonwealth’s strategic importance in the national security landscape and its leadership in advanced nuclear technology deployment.”
“This initiative is expected to strengthen energy independence and further position Virginia as a cornerstone of America’s clean energy future,” according to a press release from the department.
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Morgan Sweeney is a staff writer covering Virginia and Maryland for The Center Square. Sweeney was an active member of the journalism program as an undergraduate at Hillsdale College and previously freelanced for The Center Square.
