Governor Youngkin announces major investment to expand Virginia’s nuclear energy capabilities

Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the allocation of $1.2 million in state grants to support the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub (VIN Hub). This initiative, supported through the Virginia Department of Energy’s Virginia Power Innovation Program (VPIP), aims to bolster research infrastructure, accelerate nuclear workforce training, and expand the Commonwealth’s role in developing next-generation nuclear technologies.

Pushing Boundaries in Nuclear Research and Training

Governor Youngkin emphasized the strength of Virginia’s innovation ecosystem and the alignment between the state’s academic institutions, private sector, and government agencies. “From our world-class universities and research institutions to our skilled workforce and innovative companies, every aspect of Virginia’s ecosystem is aligned to advance nuclear innovation,” said Governor Youngkin. “These strategic investments will accelerate our momentum, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening our energy security, and cementing the Commonwealth’s position as America’s nuclear innovation leader for decades to come.”

Two major projects will benefit from the new round of funding:

• Virginia Research & Education Reactor Facility (VA-RERF) – A $750,000 planning grant will support the feasibility and design of a micro-scale research reactor. This reactor is intended to serve as a flexible and safe testbed for nuclear workforce training and advanced materials experimentation. The facility will help reduce dependence on out-of-state labs and enhance in-state research infrastructure.

• Virginia Center for Nuclear Materials and Reliability (VA-CNMR) – Awarded $462,000, this project will explore the development of a new research center focused on studying materials degradation in non-aqueous environments—an area crucial for the success of Generation IV nuclear reactors. The center will support both national standards development and the deployment of safer, long-lasting nuclear technologies.

“These initiatives will bolster our efforts to create an ecosystem that attracts federal investment, supports private sector innovation, and builds the talent pipeline needed for the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies,” said Virginia Energy Director Glenn Davis. “We’re the best state in the nation for business and energy innovation, and we intend to keep it that way.”

Collaborative Leadership and Academic Partnership

The VIN Hub will be led by Jeff Whitt, a former Framatome executive, who will oversee the effort to connect government, academia, and private enterprise. “I am honored to have the opportunity to promote Virginia’s leadership at such a critical time for Virginia and for the global energy transition,” Whitt said. “Virginia has unmatched capabilities in every aspect of the nuclear energy cycle for both commercial and defense reactors.”

The VIN Hub will operate through a consortium of Virginia’s top universities—University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Liberty University—leveraging their strengths in nuclear engineering, materials science, and simulation technologies. Whitt noted the initiative’s potential to elevate Virginia’s international stature in energy innovation.

Academic leaders across the state have voiced strong support. “Virginia has excellent opportunities for students interested in a role in nuclear energy, and VIN Hub will ensure the technologies they work on as students and researchers will be advanced in the state where they were developed,” said Dr. Alireza Haghighat of Virginia Tech and the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC).

Tom DePonty, Chairman of the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium Authority (VNECA), added, “Virginia is a leader in the nuclear industry, and we are committed to advancing the next generation of nuclear energy in Virginia. It’s a great day for the Commonwealth and our energy future.”

Building on a Strong Nuclear Foundation

These grants build on Virginia’s existing leadership in nuclear energy. With more than 30% of the state’s electricity produced by nuclear power and a supply chain anchored by companies such as BWXT, Framatome, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and Dominion Energy, the state is well-positioned to scale up its efforts.

Funded projects are scheduled to begin in May 2025, with preliminary assessments and planning expected to conclude within a year. The investments reflect a growing national interest in nuclear energy as a clean, reliable power source and highlight Virginia’s intent to lead that transformation from the forefront.