By Mark Debord – October 2024

Dominion Energy Virginia is seeking proposals to evaluate the feasibility of developing a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the North Anna Power Station. SMRs have a smaller footprint than traditional reactors, can be manufactured at off-site facilities and shipped for installation. This makes them less expensive to construct than traditional reactors.  What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? | IAEA

Dominion announced the Request for Proposals (RFP) at an event on July 10 at the North Anna site. The RFP is not a commitment to build an SMR at North Anna. It is merely a first step in evaluating the technology and the feasibility of a SMR at the North Anna site.

"For over 50 years nuclear power has been the most reliable workhorse of Virginia's electric fleet, generating 40% of our power and with zero carbon emissions," said Robert Blue, chair, president and CEO of Dominion Energy. "As Virginia's need for reliable and clean power grows, SMRs could play a pivotal role in an 'all-of-the-above' approach to our energy future. Along with offshore wind, solar and battery storage, SMRs have the potential to be an important part of Virginia's growing clean energy mix." 

The North Anna site is currently home to two pressurized water reactors, which began commercial operation in 1978 and 1980. Under their current licenses, North Anna units 1 and 2 can continue to operate through 2058 and 2060.

mark.debord@lakeannavirginia.org