NASA, Virginia Launch Power Partnership for Energy Security

NASA and the Virginia Department of Energy have launched a partnership aimed at enhancing long-term energy security in the Commonwealth. The Space Act Agreement, signed during a ceremony at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, will leverage NASA's atmospheric science expertise to support Virginia Energy's resiliency studies, resource analysis, and long-term energy planning.

NASA Langley Deputy Director Allen Kilgore expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating it would benefit Virginia citizens and bolster energy security. Virginia Energy Director Vince Maiden emphasized the importance of sound energy planning, noting that this partnership will help the state better anticipate energy demands, prepare for extreme weather, and understand factors affecting electricity generation.

By integrating NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) data into Virginia Energy's modeling and analysis system, the agreement aims to provide customized energy metrics, such as cooling degree days, to inform energy policy, planning, and operational decisions. NASA's POWER information will assist in designing energy generation systems, predicting energy production, and assessing vulnerabilities, ultimately contributing to a more reliable and resilient energy system in Virginia.