Data Centers: Build 450-acre “Data Center Ridge” site development project to be the catalyst for the most sustainable and energy efficient data center cluster in the world. This campus has the potential to be home to over 1 gigawatt of hyperscale data centers with access to nearly 10 billion gallons of cool underground water as well as robust behind-the-meter clean energy.

Wind: Erect wind turbines that generate 225 megawatts of power with a goal of eventually doubling output. Required studies on wind speed and other factors could be completed as early as 2025, after which construction would begin.

Solar: Create solar farms that produce 300 megawatts of power with the goal of having them in place as soon as 2028 with the potential of adding over 400 additional megawatts.

Nuclear: Build Small Modular Nuclear Reactors to provide a steady source of energy to complement intermittent sources like wind and solar and serve as a bridge while technology is developed to store intermittent energy efficiently on a large scale. While developers have visited the site, potential deals are likely years away as companies test competing designs.

Pumped Storage Hydro: Known as Project Energizer at the Energy DELTA Lab, this effort will use underground mine reservoirs as sources of water. When energy supply exceeds demand, the water will be pumped to higher-elevation reservoirs to allow it to be used to generate power during demand surges.

Energy storage: Test and deploy innovative ways to store power, such as cutting-edge batteries. The Energy DELTA Lab is partnering with technology accelerator Newlab and international energy developer Orsted on the project.

Hydrogen: Generate hydrogen energy that can be used to power vehicles, trains, and boats by separating the hydrogen from water. To separate hydrogen, heat must be applied — initially using natural gas, producing what is called “blue hydrogen.” As cleaner power sources go online, generation would shift to sources like wind and solar, creating “green hydrogen.”

Education: Provide scientific assistance to energy innovators and educational opportunities for area K-12 schools and community colleges looking to train the next generation of talent to work in energy production in Southwest Virginia.

Team