Solar energy project to be explored at Washington Dulles Airport

The development of a large-scale 100-megawatt solar energy project on approximately 1,200 acres at Washington Dulles International Airport will be jointly explored by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and Dominion Energy Virginia.

Dominion Energy recently signed a sublease with the Airports Authority to begin feasibility studies for the project to move forward. Electricity generated from the solar project would connect to the existing transmission line located on Dulles International Airport property, delivering clean energy for residential and commercial customers.

“Partnering with Dominion Energy on this important project will give us the data and tools we need to determine the role that solar energy can play at a major international airport now and in the future,” said Mike Stewart, Airport Manager, Dulles International Airport. 

A solar project of this size could power 25,000 homes at peak output and would be one of the largest solar facilities in Northern Virginia, providing clean energy to the most populous region of the state, the organisations have said.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on this ambitious, renewable-energy project,” added Keith Windle, Vice President Business Development and Merchant Operations, Dominion Energy. “More than 24 million passengers flying through Dulles each year will witness the sun’s energy being used to generate clean energy for Virginians.” 

Dominion Energy has already filed an application with PJM (the regional transmission organisation that coordinates the electrical grid in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia) to interconnect the project to the transmission grid.

The organisations have said the new facility could come online as early as 2023.