Colonial Trail West stands out as a significant player in the renewable energy sector in the United States, ranking 1738th among 10,047 power generation facilities. This solar plant, with a capacity of 142.4 MW, ranks as the 45th largest solar facility in a country where natural gas is the predominant fuel source. Contributing a mere 0.01% to the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, Colonial Trail West reflects the growing emphasis on solar energy as part of a diversified energy mix. Utilizing cutting-edge photovoltaic technology, this facility was commissioned in 2020 by Dominion Renewable Energy, marking a pivotal step in Virginia’s transition towards cleaner energy sources. Its proximity to significant energy plants, such as the Surry Nuclear Power Plant and its twin, which each boast a formidable capacity of 1695 MW, is noteworthy. This nuclear facility is complemented by other plants in the vicinity, including Yorktown (oil, 882 MW) and several gas plants like Gravel Neck and Hopewell Cogeneration, which further highlight the region's energy diversity. While Colonial Trail West operates within a competitive environment, its solar capacity is indicative of Virginia's potential for renewable development amidst a landscape predominantly shaped by fossil fuels. Overall, Virginia's energy profile shows a growing trend towards integrating renewable sources, although gas remains the dominant fuel. Colonial Trail West's contribution to this shift is significant as it opens pathways for future solar projects and investments. As the United States continues to address climate change and energy sustainability, the role of solar facilities like Colonial Trail West will be increasingly important. With its modern commissioning and alignment with contemporary energy goals, this plant represents a forward-thinking approach to energy generation that aligns with both environmental imperatives and economic opportunities.
6 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Solar
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileSolar power generation harnesses the sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal systems to produce electricity. The basic principle of solar power generation involves converting sunlight into usable energy. When sunlight hits a PV cell, it excites electrons in the semiconductor material, generating an electric current. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar thermal systems, on the other hand, use sunlight to heat a fluid that, in turn, produces steam to drive a turbine and generate electricity. Both methods provide a clean and renewable energy source that is gaining significant traction worldwide.
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