It's essential to differentiate between thermal and metallurgical coal when discussing energy and environmental policies. Virginia's coal industry primarily produces metallurgical coal, which is used for manufacturing processes such as steel production, not thermal coal, which is burned and used for electricity generation or as a heat source. This distinction is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about the state's coal industry and its environmental impact.
As of 2024, coal accounted for only about 4% of Virginia's in-state total electric generating capacity. This represents a significant decline from previous decades and was primarily driven by lower-cost energy alternatives while also reflecting Virginia's continued pursuit of cleaner energy sources such as natural gas, advanced nuclear, and renewables.
Virginia ranks 12th among coal-producing states in the U.S., with a production of approximately 10.4 million short tons in 2023 (an estimated market value of $2.19 billion). Most of this coal is metallurgical grade, used in steel production or other manufacturing processes. Virginia's high-quality bituminous coal is particularly valued in the global steel industry for its high carbon content and its lack of impurities.
The metallurgical coal industry remains a significant economic contributor in Virginia, particularly in the southwestern region of the state. Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, and Wise rely on coal mining as a key economic driver, providing jobs and supporting local economies. The Port of Hampton Roads serves as a critical export hub for this high-quality coal, facilitating its transportation to international markets.
Additional information on coal production in Virginia available here.
For information on coal mine safety, click here .
Battery storage technology is gaining traction in Virginia as the state expands its renewable energy capacity. Batteries store excess energy generated from intermittent sources like solar and wind, ensuring a stable electricity supply even when these sources are not producing power.
Key initiatives in Virginia include pilot projects exploring advanced battery technologies such as lithium-ion and iron-air systems. These projects test the feasibility and effectiveness of different storage technologies in Virginia's specific energy landscape. The governor's all-of-the-above energy plan encourages the development of energy storage resources as part of a comprehensive energy strategy.
Pumped hydro storage is another critical energy storage technology used in Virginia. It involves moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity. During periods of low electricity demand, excess energy is used to pump water to the upper reservoir. When demand is high, the water is released back to the lower reservoir, generating electricity as it flows through turbines.
Virginia is home to the Bath County Pumped Storage Station, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world (fun fact: it's been called "the largest battery in the world"). This facility plays a significant role in stabilizing the grid, providing a reliable source of energy that can be quickly dispatched during peak demand periods. Pumped hydro storage complements battery storage by offering long-duration energy storage, which is essential for maintaining grid stability.
U.S. Energy Information Administration: Virginia's Energy Profile
U.S. Department of Energy: Information about energy storage technologies and national implementation.
Hydroelectric power plays a modest but important role in Virginia's diverse energy mix. Hydropower's reliability and ability to quickly respond to fluctuating energy demands make it a valuable component of the state's energy portfolio.
Hydroelectric power offers several advantages as part of Virginia's all-of-the-above energy strategy.
While hydroelectric power is valuable for Virginia's energy mix, its expansion faces certain limitations:
Every hour and a half, enough sunlight hits the earth that it could power the entire world for one year. The trick is capturing all of that potential energy and converting it into usable, reliable power. Watch the video below to learn more about we capture and convert Virginia's sunshine into usable energy for our communities.
U.S. Energy Information Administration: Virginia's Energy Profile
U.S. Department of Energy: Information, data, and educational resources on hydropower in the United States.
Biomass energy plays a modest role in Virginia's diverse energy landscape, contributing to the state's renewable energy portfolio and supporting its commitment to an increasingly clean energy future. As of 2024, biomass accounts for approximately 4% of Virginia's in-state total electric generating capacity, providing a valuable source of renewable power that complements other clean energy sources in the state's all-of-the-above energy strategy.
Virginia utilizes various biomass sources for energy production, including wood waste from timber operations, municipal solid waste, landfill gas, and agricultural residues. Notable biomass facilities in Virginia include those operated by Dominion Energy, which have transitioned some coal-fired plants to biomass, utilizing waste wood from timber operations to generate electricity.
Pumped hydro storage is another critical energy storage technology used in Virginia, accounting for approximately 10% of the total in-state electric generating capacity. It involves moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity. During periods of low electricity demand, excess energy is used to pump water to the upper reservoir. When demand is high, the water is released back to the lower reservoir, generating electricity as it flows through turbines.
Virginia is home to the Bath County Pumped Storage Station, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world (fun fact: it's been called "the largest battery in the world"). This facility plays a significant role in stabilizing the grid, providing a reliable source of energy that can be quickly dispatched during peak demand periods. Pumped hydro storage complements battery storage by offering long-duration energy storage, which is essential for maintaining grid stability.
Biomass energy offers several advantages as part of Virginia's energy mix:
While biomass energy contributes to Virginia's renewable energy goals, it also faces certain challenges:
U.S. Energy Information Administration: Virginia's Energy Profile
U.S. Department of Energy: Information, data, and educational resources on biomass energy in the United States.
Information on Geothermal technologies in Virginia available here.
From Nuclear to solar and beyond... Governor Youngkin’s energy plan embraces an all-of-the-above strategy for ensuring Virginians enjoy a safe, clean, and afforadble energy future. Learn more about the plan, the data behind it, and what it could mean for you at the link below.
Virginia Department of Energy © 2021