Learn more about what is powering Virginia's
future!
Virginia Energy is committed to providing data-driven, reliable, and engaging energy information for educators, students, policymakers, and the public.
Whether it's nuclear, natural gas, renewables, or emerging technologies, the following resources cover the science, technology, and industry shaping Virginia's energy landscape. From K-12 lesson plans to in-depth reports, these resources will empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and understand the role of diverse, reliable energy sources in securing our future.
Natural Gas in Virginia
Virginia Department of Energy
Overview of Virginia's natural gas industry, including production, pipeline infrastructure, and natural gas's role in the state's energy mix.
Government Agencies
Office of Fossil Energy & Carbon Management (FECM) | U.S. Department of Energy
Supports research and policies related to natural gas production, carbon capture, and emissions reduction.
Natural Gas Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration
Overview of how natural gas is formed, extracted, transported, and used in electricity generation.
Natural Gas | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Provides oversight of interstate natural gas pipelines, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.
Research Institutions
Natural Gas Research | National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)
Develops technologies for natural gas extraction, methane emissions reduction, and infrastructure improvements.
Natural Gas Innovations | Gas Technology Institute (GTI)
Focuses on increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts of natural gas production and distribution.
Non-Profits and Education
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project
K-12 lesson plans and activities explaining natural gas formation, extraction, and use in energy production.
Industry Organizations
American Gas Association (AGA)
Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA)
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA)
Videos
How Natural Gas is Formed and Used | U.S. Department of Energy
The Future of Natural Gas | MIT Energy Initiative
Government Agencies
Office of Nuclear Energy | U.S. Department of Energy
Provides information on the latest research, news, and educational resources related to nuclear energy.
Nuclear Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Comprehensive explanation of nuclear power generation, its history, and current status in the United States.
GAIN (Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear) | Idaho National Laboratory
Supports the commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies by connecting innovators with national laboratories, and offering technical, regulatory, and financial resources.
Pathway to Commercial Liftoff: Advanced Nuclear | U.S. Department of Energy
Outlines the potential for nuclear energy expansion by 2050, its role in decarbonization, and steps for commercialization.
Advanced Reactor Technologies | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Information on next-generation nuclear reactors and their potential benefits.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) | U.S. Department of Energy
The advantages of small modular reactors (SMRs), including their scalability, safety features, and potential applications.
Clean Energy Systems | International Energy Agency
Report examining the role of nuclear power in transitioning to clean energy systems globally.
Workforce Trends | U.S. Department of Energy
An article highlighting current workforce trends in the nuclear energy sector, possibly including job growth, skills demand, and demographic shifts.
Licensing Process | U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Fact sheet on the licensing process for nuclear power plants, detailing the steps and requirements for obtaining operational approval.
Waste Management | U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Information on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's oversight of spent fuel storage methods and regulations for nuclear power plants.
Research Institutions
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) | Nuclear Research
The lead U.S. laboratory for nuclear energy R&D, working on reactor advancements and safety improvements.
Argonne National Laboratory - Science 101 | Nuclear Energy
Provides a simplified overview of nuclear energy and how reactors work.
Industry Organizations
Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)
World Nuclear Association
Information on the relationship between nuclear power and energy security, likely covering topics such as fuel diversity and supply stability.
Dominion Energy - Nuclear Facilities
Provides detailed information about Dominion Energy's nuclear power stations, including safety records, performance, and expansion plans in Virginia and beyond.
Non-Profits and Education
Navigating Nuclear | American Nuclear Society
Offers digital lesson plans, career profiles, and virtual field trips to explore nuclear science.
Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium | VA Nuclear Hub
A state-based organization focused on promoting nuclear energy research, innovation, and workforce development in Virginia.
Nuclear Innovation Alliance
A non-profit think tank focused on accelerating advanced nuclear energy innovation through policy research, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory reform.
Good Energy Collective
A public policy organization that integrates social equity and climate policy into nuclear energy planning and advocacy.
ClearPath
A non-profit advancing conservative clean energy solutions, including innovation in advanced nuclear technologies and regulatory modernization.
Videos
What is Nuclear Energy? | (DOE)
Nuclear Energy by the Numbers | (DOE)
Fission vs. Fusion: What's the Difference | (DOE)
What is Fusion? | (Princeton)
MIT Professor Explains Nuclear Fusion in 5 Levels of Difficulty | (MIT)
Why I changed my mind about nuclear power | (TEDTalks)
Solar Energy in Virginia
Virginia Department of Energy
Overview of Virginia's natural gas industry, including production, pipeline infrastructure, and natural gas's role in the state's energy mix.
Government Agencies
Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) | U.S. Department of Energy
Offers research, funding opportunities, and educational materials on solar energy.
Solar Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
A comprehensive explanation of solar power generation, its history, and current status in the United States.
Workforce Trends in Solar | U.S. Department of Energy
A report on workforce trends in the solar energy sector, including job growth, skills demand, and workforce development initiatives.
Climate Impact of Solar | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A report discussing the environmental benefits of solar energy, including emissions reductions and land-use considerations.
Solar Panel Recycling and Waste Management | U.S. Department of Energy
Details on solar panel end-of-life management, including recycling initiatives and sustainability strategies.
Heliophysics Education | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Provides space-based solar energy learning resources, focusing on solar radiation and its effects on Earth.
Solar Futures Study | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A detailed report exploring the role of solar energy in a future decarbonized grid, covering technological advancements, grid integration, and policy recommendations.
Clean Energy Systems | International Energy Agency (IEA)
Examines the role of solar power in transitioning to global clean energy systems.
Solar and Energy Security | Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Discusses how solar power contributes to energy security, grid resilience, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Research Institutions
Solar Research | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Covers cutting-edge solar energy research, including high-efficiency photovoltaics and solar grid integration.
Stanford Solar Center
Provides educational materials, projects, and research related to solar energy, particularly the science behind solar phenomena.
Industry Organizations
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Financing and Incentives for Solar | Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
Comprehensive database of state and federal solar incentives, rebates, and financing programs.
Non-Profits and Education
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project
Hands-on classroom activities covering photovoltaic and thermal solar energy for K-12 students.
KidWind
Provides solar curriculum kits for K-12 students, including interactive STEM projects.
Videos
How Do Solar Panels Work? | (TED-Ed)
Solar Power Basics | (U.S. Department of Energy)
How Solar Panels Are Made | (Science Channel)
Solar Power by the Numbers | (DOE)
Floating Solar Farms Explained | (PBS Terra)
Government Agencies
Energy Storage Division | U.S. Department of Energy - Office of Electricity
Supports the deployment of energy storage technologies for grid reliability.
Battery Storage Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration
Overview of battery storage technologies and their role in electricity generation.
Research Institutions
Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR)
A leading research initiative focused on next-generation battery technologies.
Sandia National Laboratories
Develops and tests advanced battery systems for grid applications.
Industry Organizations
American Clean Power Association
Advocates for energy storage policies and deployment.
Non-Profits and Education
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)
Analyzes storage trends and market transformations.
Videos
How Battery Storage Works | (DOE)
Wind Energy in Virginia | Virginia Department of Energy
Information on wind energy in Virginia, including offshore wind projects and onshore wind potential.
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind | Dominion Energy
Provides details on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, one of the largest offshore wind developments in the United States. Includes information on project phases, job creation, and environmental considerations.
Government Agencies
Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) | U.S. Department of Energy
Supports wind power R&D and provides data on wind energy growth.
Wind Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration
Overview of wind power, its benefits, and role in electricity generation.
Research Institutions
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Develops cutting-edge wind turbine technology and grid integration solutions.
Industry Organizations
American Clean Power Association (ACP)
Publishes reports on wind energy growth, policy, and industry developments.
American Wind Energy Association
Offers industry reports, fact sheets, and other resources on the wind power sector.
Virginia Renewable Energy Alliance
Represents the interests of wind and solar energy companies operating in Virginia.
Non-Profits and Education
KidWind Wind Energy Kits
Provides interactive wind turbine kits for students to explore wind power.
Videos
How Do Wind Turbines Work? | (DOE)
Government Agencies
Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) | U.S. Department of Energy
Researches hydropower and marine energy technologies.
Hydropower Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration
Overview of hydropower generation and its role in the energy grid.
Research Institutions
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Develops innovative turbine designs and hydro system improvements.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Studies environmental and operational impacts of hydroelectric dams.
Industry Organizations
National Hydropower Association (NHA)
Represents hydro industry stakeholders and promotes sustainable hydropower growth.
Non-Profits and Education
Foundation for Water & Energy Education (FWEE)
Provides hydropower education materials and community outreach programs.
Videos
How Hydropower Works | (DOE)
Government Agencies
Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) | U.S. Department of Energy
Leads research into geothermal power and direct heating technologies.
Geothermal Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration
A comprehensive explanation of geothermal power generation and direct use applications.
Research Institutions
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Advances geothermal technologies and supports enhanced geothermal system (EGS) development.
Utah FORGE
A DOE-supported test site for developing enhanced geothermal energy technologies.
Industry Organizations
Geothermal Rising (formerly Geothermal Resources Council)
The leading industry association for geothermal energy development and education.
Non-Profits and Education
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project
Hands-on classroom activities explaining geothermal heat and electricity generation.
Videos
How Geothermal Energy Works | (DOE)
Government Agencies
Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) | U.S. Department of Energy - Office of Electricity
Supports research into biomass conversion to fuels, power, and products.
Biomass Explained | U.S. Energy Information Administration
Overview of biomass sources and their role in renewable energy production.
Research Institutions
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) | Biomass Research
Develops new biofuels and biomass conversion technologies.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) | Bioenergy Research
Focuses on biomass feedstock development and logistics.
Industry Organizations
Biomass Power Association (BPA)
Advocates for biomass energy use in electricity generation.
Non-Profits and Education
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project
Biomass
K-12 curriculum on biofuels, wood energy, and waste-to-energy conversion.
Videos
How Biomass Energy Works | (DOE)
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