Virginia Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan to Lead Nation in Nuclear Energy Innovation

Virginia is doubling down on its nuclear future.

Leaders from the state’s energy, education, and economic sectors released the Virginia Is Nuclear 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, outlining an ambitious roadmap to meet rising electricity demand while positioning the Commonwealth as a national and global leader in nuclear energy.

The plan was developed by the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC) in coordination with state partners, including the Virginia Department of Energy, Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium Authority (VNECA), and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). It builds upon the state’s previous nuclear roadmap and sets new goals for innovation, workforce development, and energy resilience.

A Growing Demand for Clean Power

With Virginia experiencing one of the fastest electricity growth rates in the country—driven in part by the expansion of data centers, hospitals, and military installations the need for reliable, carbon-free energy is increasing. Nuclear already supplies 32% of Virginia’s total electricity and over 82% of its carbon-free energy.

“Nuclear is essential to meeting that demand reliably and sustainably,” said April Wade, Executive Director of VNEC. “This plan brings together industry, academia, and government to expand innovation, workforce training, and economic opportunity across the Commonwealth.”

Strategic Priorities for 2025–2029

The five-year plan outlines key goals:

• Expand the nuclear workforce pipeline through community colleges and universities
• Support the deployment of advanced and small modular reactors (SMRs)
• Develop the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub (VIN Hub), including a research and education reactor facility
• Strengthen the nuclear supply chain and attract manufacturing investment
• Ensure grid reliability for essential infrastructure

“This strategic plan aligns with our statewide goal of attracting high-tech, high-wage jobs while keeping Virginia competitive in the global clean-energy market,” said Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of VEDP.

Collaboration Across Sectors

Leaders from across Virginia’s government and industry emphasized the importance of the state’s collaborative approach.

“The Virginia Department of Energy is proud to collaborate on this strategic plan,” said Glenn Davis, Virginia Energy Director. “It reinforces our commitment to advancing affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean energy for the Commonwealth.”

From national defense to space exploration, nuclear innovation plays a critical role in Virginia’s economy. Tom DePonty, chairman of VNECA, pointed to the broader implications: “This plan ensures the Commonwealth remains at the forefront of efforts in defense, innovation, and energy resilience.”

Jeff Whitt, Executive Director of the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub, added that the plan supports the development of new nuclear technologies, medical isotopes, and even space nuclear systems—all within Virginia’s borders.

Powering Economic and National Security

Virginia’s nuclear industry already employs over 54,000 people and generates $7.1 billion annually in economic impact. Companies such as BWX Technologies, Framatome, and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding are advancing technologies that support the U.S. Navy, space programs, and the next generation of clean energy.

“Nuclear energy powers more than homes and businesses—it powers opportunity,” said Wade. “Through collaboration and innovation, the Commonwealth of Virginia is defining the future of clean, reliable energy.”

Read the full Virginia Is Nuclear 2025–2029 Strategic Plan here: virginianuclear.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Virginia-Strategic-Plan-for-Nuclear-Energy.pdf

To learn more about the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium, visit www.virginianuclear.org.