News Summary
Naval Weapons Station Yorktown has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia to explore reliable energy sources for Navy operations. This collaboration aims to establish resilient energy solutions including natural gas, solar, wind, and advanced nuclear power. With rising energy demands, this initiative seeks to enhance operational readiness and support community resilience during crises. Captain Dan Patrick emphasized the importance of energy dominance for national security, marking the beginning of a new energy strategy for the Navy.
Yorktown, Virginia – Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Yorktown and Dominion Energy Virginia have entered into a significant collaboration aimed at exploring reliable energy sources for Navy operations. On June 6, 2025, Captain Dan Patrick, the Commanding Officer at NWS Yorktown, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Edward Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia. This landmark agreement is the first of its kind involving a U.S. Navy installation in the Hampton Roads area.
The primary objective of this MOA is to evaluate the feasibility of establishing resilient energy sources at NWS Yorktown. The proposed energy sources include a combination of a natural gas power plant, solar farms, wind farms, energy storage and transmission capabilities, and advanced nuclear power solutions such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These options reflect a proactive approach to meeting the increasing power demands of the military installation and neighboring communities.
NWS Yorktown serves as the largest employer in York County, with a workforce that includes over 2,400 active-duty service members, nearly 1,100 Department of Defense civilian employees, and more than 530 contractors. The installation plays a pivotal role in supporting a majority of the U.S. Navy’s warships, submarines, and other assets stationed on the East Coast. As energy demands continue to escalate, this agreement aims to enhance operational readiness through a comprehensive energy strategy that ensures a continuous power supply for military missions.
During the signing ceremony, Captain Patrick underscored the critical nature of energy dominance for national security, indicating that the MOA signifies the beginning of a strategy focused on power resilience. With the potential for the Navy to face challenges in energy supply during emergencies, the partnership with Dominion Energy is geared towards finding sustainable solutions for the future.
Edward Baine emphasized the importance of collaborations like this one for achieving innovative energy solutions, which are essential for both Dominion Energy and the Navy. The intention is to bolster power resilience, ultimately supporting the community during crises and ensuring effective responses to emergencies.
The Virginia Department of Energy recently highlighted that four of the seven potential locations under consideration for future shore-based nuclear power facilities by the Navy are located in Virginia, including NWS Yorktown. This revelation aligns with Dominion Energy’s 18-month evaluation process to integrate a project that is in line with long-term energy plans for the region.
As part of the initial project phase, NWS Yorktown will conduct a site characterization study, expected to take approximately six to twelve months to complete. Any selected power generation method will remain the property and operational responsibility of Dominion Energy, allowing for managerial consistency and safety assurance regarding potential nuclear facilities.
In light of evolving energy needs, the York County Board of Supervisors has approved a resolution to sponsor a study focusing on zoning ordinances related to small nuclear reactors, a subject currently not addressed in county regulations. This step reflects a growing recognition of the importance of modern energy solutions as the region moves forward.
Captain Patrick drew parallels between current energy resilience imperatives and the historic power shortages experienced in Tacoma, Washington, in 1929, highlighting vulnerabilities in energy supply during critical situations. The MOA signing concluded to strong applause, signifying robust community support for this significant initiative aimed at securing a more reliable and resilient energy future for NWS Yorktown and its surrounding areas.
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Additional Resources
- Military News: NWS Yorktown & Dominion Energy Agreement
- WY Daily: NWS Yorktown & Dominion Energy Collaboration
- Pilot Online: Yorktown Nuclear Initiative
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nuclear Energy
- Google Search: NWS Yorktown Dominion Energy
