Bill > HB824

This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a work group to investigate the financial and practical aspects of data centers generating their own energy from sources other than diesel, using this generated power as either backup or primary electricity, and employing energy storage solutions within Virginia. The work group will also explore collaborations with public universities to advance energy technologies like renewable biodiesel, combined heat and power systems, and hydrogen fuel cells powered by renewables, aiming to make them viable for data centers. Additionally, the group will propose incentives for data centers to adopt these technologies and will include representatives from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the data center sector, electric companies, state agencies, and other stakeholders. The findings and suggestions of this work group are to be presented in a report to specific legislative committees by September 1, 2026.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB824