Embarking on a trailblazing venture, Dominion Energy and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) have unfurled the Dulles Solar and Storage project at the Washington Dulles International Airport. This initiative aspires to etch a new benchmark as the most extensive renewable energy endeavor ever undertaken within a US airport terminal.
With the capacity to generate up to an impressive 100 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, coupled with a robust storage capacity of approximately 50 MW, this project's potential is formidable. It's poised to channel enough energy to illuminate over 37,000 homes across Virginia during peak periods of production.
A compelling facet of this endeavor lies in the dedication of the entire energy output to Dominion Energy Virginia customers. This resounding commitment stands as a testament to their steadfast commitment to embracing cleaner energy sources. Dominion Energy's holistic strategy encompasses the fortification of a dependable and environmentally sustainable energy supply. This is achieved through the synergistic marriage of emission-free renewable energies and the growing utility of energy storage systems.
In the words of Bob Blue, President, and CEO of Dominion Energy, "This juncture marks an exhilarating threshold in the journey towards clean and reliable energy, not solely for Virginia but for the entire nation. Through our resolute collaboration with MWAA, the potent symbol of transitioning to clean energy will be witnessed by millions of travelers passing through Dulles each year."
Jack Potter, President, and CEO of MWAA, concurs with an air of enthusiasm, affirming that this collaboration is set to unveil the most extensive renewable energy project in the annals of US airports. "This undertaking underscores just one of the myriad ways in which the airport authority remains steadfastly committed to being an exemplar in environmental stewardship," he emphasized.
This partnership also encompasses a pioneering lease agreement, a groundbreaking move that will further catalyze the integration of renewable energies and the adoption of electric vehicles at Dulles. In lieu of traditional annual lease payments, Dominion Energy will oversee the construction of two 1 MW solar canopies that will contribute to powering Dulles facilities.
Moreover, they will provide a fleet of 18 electric transit buses, along with 50 electric vehicles for various operations, alongside electric vehicle charging stations for Dulles' seamless functioning.
Spanning 835 acres at the airport's southwestern perimeter, the project's commencement is slated for late 2023, with a projected culmination by late 2026.
Beyond its laudable contributions to renewable energy and sustainable transportation, the project will bestow substantial economic benefits upon Loudoun County and the wider region. An estimated 300 jobs will be generated during the construction phase, driving an economic injection of around $200 million.
This momentous project received the green light earlier this year, following an exhaustive review encompassing several years. Collaborating entities included the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Virginia State Corporation Commission, among other pivotal state and federal bodies.
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