Renewable energy is produced by natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. The use of these resources avoids air pollution associated with traditional fossil fuel-based forms of energy generation. Developing a more cost efficient and environmentally sound energy industry that includes renewable energy is beneficial to Virginians. A growing renewable energy profile enhances Virginia’s economy, reduces pollution, and takes a significant step toward energy independence from foreign interests and unpredictable fossil fuel markets.

Learn more about DEQ's renewable energy permitting process under the Permit-by-Rule (PBR) Program.

For further information on renewable energy generation in Virginia, explore the tabs below.

Wind is created by changes in air temperature, the shape of the land, and the Earth’s rotation. Wind turbines turn this moving air into electricity by spinning a generator, which sends power to the electric grid.1 This is helpful because having more clean energy made here in the U.S. makes our energy system stronger. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, the DEQ PBR program has approved two wind projects - one in Botetourt County and one in Pulaski County. Together, these projects have the capacity to produce 84 megawatts of electricity. 

Rockbridge Co SolarIn 2023, about 12% of Virginia’s electricity came from renewable resources.1 The biggest contributor was solar power, which more than doubled between 2020 and 2023 and now makes up about 7% of the electricity generated in the Commonwealth. This growth is partly because of the Virginia Clean Economy Act which says Virginia’s main energy companies—Dominion Energy and Appalachian Electric—must use only renewable energy from sunlight or wind by 2045 and 2050. Solar energy is also growing because it costs less to build and maintain than fossil fuel plants, large corporations want clean energy, and the increased construction of data centers that require a lot of electricity to operate.

To stay informed on DEQ's renewable energy initiatives, sign up for notifications from Virginia Regulatory Town Hall or subscribe to DEQ email updates.