May 4 (Renewables Now) – Dominion Energy Virginia, part of Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), has obtained regulatory approval to add nearly 500 MW of solar power to its portfolio, either through power take-back agreements, or stand-alone projects.

The utility announced Monday the approval of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), saying the new capacity would come from nine wind farms, to be able to produce electricity for 125,000 homes at peak power.

Six of the nine projects involve Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that were selected through competitive tenders held by Dominion. The other three are systems that the utility will own and operate on its own. Namely, these are the 20 MW Grassfield Photovoltaic (PV) Farm in Chesapeake City, the 20 MW Power Plant in James City County and the 42 MW Sycamore Solar Farm in Pittsylvania County.

The projects will support the goals of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and Dominion Energy’s goal of net zero emissions. The specific law foresees that 16.1 GW of onshore solar and wind power will be in service in the state by 2035, of which about a third will be acquired through PPA.

Dominion Energy recently announced that it is seeking proposals for nearly 1.2 GW of renewable power generation and up to 100 MW of energy storage to support VCEA.