IN STATE Energy Generation Alternatives TO IMPORTING ENERGY

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In state generation lessens the need for inter-state transmission lines.  The most efficient location for building base load generation is close to the energy need which reduces line losses or on the same site previously used for coal fired generation (as the transmission lines already exist).   There are already several combined cycle natural gas generation plants that have been built on sites previously used for coal generation plants.  Although combined cycle natural gas generation is much less polluting than coal, the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy ACT discourages the building of natural gas power plants and mandates  "100 percent renewable mandate by 2050".  This effectively curtails the useful life of a natural gas plant to 25 years. There is also a provision for the utility to include and the commission to consider  "the social cost of carbon" . This calculation is malleable and has no clear standard of measurement . The natural gas energy generation discouragement is further exemplified by the Virginia SCC's rejection of Dominion Energy's Integrated Resource Plan due to its inclusion of new natural gas generation: 

"Berkebile noted that the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act, which requires decarbonization of the grid by 2050, states that if Dominion wants a new carbon-emitting generation source, it must prove that energy conservation goals have been met and that building new sources of generation is more affordable than relying on other solutions. 

In state generation lessens the need for inter-state transmission lines.  The most efficient location for building base load generation is close to the energy need which reduces line losses or on the same site previously used for coal fired generation (as the transmission lines already exist).   Small Modular Nuclear can be built on-site of retired coal generation plants or on site at data centers . These are based on the same technology that powers nuclear submarines.  There are many designs in progress and several prototype sites in the US. However ,  the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act  removed the provision that declared that planning and development activities for new nuclear generation facilities are in the public interest.