Energy DELTA Lab statement on FY2026 advanced nuclear science initiative

We appreciate Congressman Morgan Griffith’s foresight and leadership in exploring future opportunities that strengthen Southwest Virginia’s long-term viability.

Energy DELTA Lab is a private entity based in Southwest Virginia focused on energy research & development and future deployment on former mined lands. Launched to diversify Southwest Virginia’s economy, the DELTA Lab is helping Virginia achieve energy security and reliability while accelerating the commercialization and deployment of innovative energy technologies.

The DELTA Lab team worked with Congressman Griffith on a FY2026 Community Project Funding request for an initiative titled “Energy DELTA Lab – Utilization of Former Mine Lands for the Deployment of Advanced Nuclear.” As of January 23, 2026, the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations measure passed the House and Senate, was signed by the President and became public law.

This new DELTA Lab initiative is a due-diligence feasibility evaluation, not a broad generation siting effort. It is also independent of any other awarded grant, project or public announcement regarding advanced nuclear generation in Southwest Virginia.

The Congressionally funded work is a highly technical, science-based assessment of whether water sequestered in mine cavities could support cooling for advanced nuclear technologies while minimizing impacts to groundwater resources, streams and aquatic species. It also includes evaluating geotechnical conditions and the water quantity and quality demands technologies would require.

Any rigorous study of the region’s water assets is valuable, especially because this naturally replenishing resource remains underutilized. Over the long term, this work can help strengthen Southwest Virginia’s future by expanding the region’s options for durable private investment and tax base growth that supports core local services, including education, public safety and social services.