Old Dominion Electric Cooperative Sets Net Zero Emissions Goal

February 26, 2021

According to a press release from Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), the cooperative has announced a goal to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. ODEC has also set an interim goal to reduce its carbon intensity by 50% (from 2005 levels) by 2030.  ODEC will be the second generation and transmission cooperative in the country to set a net zero carbon goal.

ODEC is the wholesale power provider of 11 member electric distribution cooperatives, including Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC).

Since 2005, ODEC has reduced CO2 emissions by 46% and has reduced its carbon intensity by 44%.  The 2050 goal further emphasizes the cooperative’s dedication to using renewable energy sources and builds on ODEC’s mission of providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable power to its member distribution cooperatives.

SVEC also believes a diversified energy mix should be used to uphold its mission of providing members with safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. SVEC will be dedicating a portion of its strategic plan for the future of clean energy integration. These conversations will be ongoing at the board of director level during 2021.

More than 35% of ODEC’s energy was generated by non-CO2 emitting resources in 2020, and power from ODEC’s only coal plant (Clover Power Station) has declined from 25% of its power supply in 2005 to just 5% in 2019.  Currently, ODEC has 300 MW of wind, solar, and landfill gas as part of its resource mix and has plans to add additional renewable resources in the future.  ODEC is also investing in battery storage opportunities and is seeking proposals from several vendors to develop projects throughout its members’ service territories.

ODEC recognizes the necessity of a continuous flow of electricity to power the region.  The Virginia Clean Economy Act included a provision that would give investor-owned utilities the opportunity to petition the State Corporation Commission to keep a power plant open if closing the plant would threaten the reliability or security of electric service to customers.

You can learn more at www.odec.com

Story By

Bonnie Ralston

Bonnie Ralston is the Assistant Station Coordinator at WVLS and a Highland County news reporter. She began volunteering at Allegheny Mountain Radio in the fall of 2005. In 2006 she became an AMR employee and worked in Bath County for eight years as the WCHG Station Coordinator and then as the news reporter there. She began working in radio while in college and has stayed connected to radio, in one way or another, for more than thirty years. She grew up in Staunton, Virginia, while spending a lot of time on her family’s farm in Deerfield, Virginia. She enjoys spending time outside, watching old TV shows and movies and tending to her chickens.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Current Weather

MARLINTON WEATHER
WARM SPRINGS WEATHER
MONTEREY WEATHER
Become a volunteer today
Please help & donate today
BECOME A BUSINESS SUPPORTER