Gov. Youngkin announces $10M to kickstart energy plan, establish nuclear research hub
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Friday that he will propose $10 million in the upcoming budget to create the Virginia Power Innovation Fund. The fund helps kickstart parts of Youngkin’s Virginia Energy Plan.
The money will be used to research affordable power solutions, such as carbon capture, nuclear energy and battery storage.
“Governor Youngkin’s Energy Plan recognizes this promise and envisions a future for (the) Southwest that capitalizes on our talents and history to place Southwest Virginia on the cutting edge of the energy future,” Republican Del. Terry Kilgore said in a press release. Kilgore represents Wise, Lee and Scott counties and the city of Norton.
Half of the $10 million will go to establishing a nuclear research hub, a key component of the energy plan. According to the release, the funds will award grants to colleges and universities to study small modular nuclear reactors, like one Youngkin wants to build in southwestern Virginia.
The energy plan outlines Youngkin’s intention to prioritize natural gas and nuclear energy over renewables and calls for the reevaluation of the Clean Economy Act, which pushes energy providers to use 100% renewable energy by 2050.
Everett Eaton, 262-902-7896, everett.eaton@virginiamedia.com
