Dominion Energy and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Partner to Explore Small Modular Reactor
By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber
Ensuring the region’s future energy needs—and supporting national defense—is a top priority for the Virginia Peninsula. Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy Virginia have taken a significant step toward this goal through a new agreement to explore the feasibility of building a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) or other alternative energy options, such as a solar farm, on the installation.
The agreement, signed recently, allows the Navy and Dominion to begin a site characterization study to determine the most suitable technology, a process expected to take 6-12 months. If successful, this project would enhance energy security for the base, which is critical to Navy operations, and provide power to surrounding communities through the regional grid.
Capt. Dan Patrick, Yorktown base commander, emphasized the importance of maintaining power to ensure the Navy’s mission readiness. “It allows us to—no matter what happens elsewhere—ensure that the lights and power (are) on across the installation and in our communities,” he said.
Dominion’s president, Ed Baine, noted that new nuclear energy must be part of the future energy mix to meet growing demand. While no SMR plant is yet operational in the United States, Dominion is exploring similar opportunities, including a project in Louisa County.
The Chamber, through its Military Affairs Council, values its ongoing relationship with local installations like Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and partners like Dominion Energy. We are committed to supporting efforts that strengthen our region’s energy security, economy, and national defense.