US renewables groups hail landmark clean energy bill in Virginia

Virginia's General Assembly passed landmark clean energy legislation that doubles its offshore wind goal to 5.2GW and clears the way for big deployments of solar and storage, in a move hailed by US renewable energy groups as transformational. The legislation creates a mandate requiring that 30% or more of electricity comes from renewable sources by 2030 and sets a target of 100% zero-emissions by 2050. The bill creates a pathway for Virginia to steadily reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, partly with incentives for 16.1GW of solar PV and 2.7GW of energy storage, as well as the offshore wind goal that's behind only New York and New Jersey among US states. Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) called it “pro-business, forward thinking and comprehensive”, adding it will foster economic development across Virginia.