(The Center Square) — Four of seven locations the Navy is considering for potential shore-based nuclear power sites are in Virginia, according to information recently released by the department.
Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Naval Support Activity South Potomac in Dahlgren, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, and Marine Corps Base Quantico are the sites under consideration. Installations in Maryland and North Carolina are also being considered.
“We’re thrilled at the Navy’s recognition of Virginia as the prime location for nuclear innovation,” said Glenn Davis, director of Virginia Energy. “Our robust nuclear infrastructure, skilled workforce, and supportive policy environment make Virginia the ideal partner for advancing critical technologies that will benefit our commonwealth and country.”
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin replaced his predecessor’s energy strategy in October 2022 with the All-of-the-Above energy strategy, which aimed to take a more multifaceted approach to the state’s clean energy transition. Nuclear energy has always played a part in that vision, in particular through the hoped-for construction of the nation’s first commercial small modular nuclear reactor.