Virginia Wind Projects

Dominion, BP Announce Plans

Dominion and BP Wind Energy North America Inc. announced on Jan. 22, 2009, that they are evaluating wind energy projects in Tazewell County, Va. and Wise County, Va.

These potential wind facilities represent the first projects announced since Dominion and BP said in April 2008 that they had entered into an agreement to jointly own, operate and develop wind energy projects in Virginia. Both projects would be subject to all applicable local, state and federal permits and approvals.

In addition to creating a viable source of renewable green energy, wind projects in Virginia would bring construction and permanent jobs and a significant source of tax revenue to the community.

In addition to the joint venture in Virginia, Dominion and BP are partners in 650 megawatts of the 750-megawatt Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Benton County, Ind.

Dominion is committed to ensuring that consumers have the energy they need for the future—to keep the economy strong, businesses growing and communities vibrant. Renewable energy sources will play an increasingly important role in meeting that need. Wind is one of the most abundant natural, renewable resources available, and it creates emissions-free energy.

Send an e-mail if you have questions about Dominion's wind projects in Virginia.
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Project Details

The exact size of proposed wind energy projects in Tazewell County, Va. and Wise County, Va., and the scope of economic benefits have not been determined. These potential wind farms in Tazewell and Wise counties would be developed by Dominion’s Virginia electric utility subsidiary and BP Wind Energy North America Inc. These companies have purchased about 2,560 acres of land in Tazewell County. More details will be provided on this site as they become available.

About Dominion

Trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "D," Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy. (> Learn more.)

Diversification of energy sources offers the most viable approach to greater energy security for our nation. So Dominion is constantly examining ways to diversify its energy portfolio, including relying on renewable resources such as wind.

About BP Wind Energy

BP Wind Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of BP, one of the world’s leading energy companies. BP Wind Energy is one of the leading wind developers in the U.S. with a wind portfolio that includes the opportunity to develop almost 100 projects and a potential total generating capacity of 20,000 megawatts (MW). BP Wind Energy has over 1,000 MW in or nearing commercial operation and more than 1,000 MW in an advanced stage of development.

BP America is the largest producer of oil and gas in the United States and one of the nation’s largest energy investors. For more information, visit the company’s Web sites at http://www.bpalternativenergy.com and http://www.bp.com/us.

How Wind Energy Works

Wind is a form of solar energy. It is caused by the uneven heating of the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth.

Modern wind turbines work much like traditional windmills. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft connected to a generator that makes electricity. Turbines start generating electricity when wind speeds reach 7-8 miles per hour. The electricity is sent through transmission and distribution lines to consumers.

It is no coincidence that wind farms are often built near existing power stations where the necessary infrastructure to deliver the electricity to consumers already exists.

Wind turbines are safe, have no impact on livestock, do not create excess levels of noise and are compatible with an agricultural community. Crops can be planted to within a few feet of the base of the turbine and animals may graze there. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)

Additional Wind Energy Resources