The Virginia Association of Counties recently ran several episodes on energy and data centers outlining the challenges for counties south of the Potomac.
The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) recently ran a two-part series on solar energy and a three-part series on data centers, outlining challenges for counties south of the Potomac. Much like Maryland, Virginia has pretty aggressive climate goals in addition to increasing energy demand from the thriving data center industry. While not exactly the same, both of VACo’s series outline challenges and strategies that will certainly resonate with Maryland listeners.
Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 2 | Utility-Scale Solar | Part 1
Part 1. Utility-Scale Solar – Legislative Outlook with Dean Lynch
In the first of a 2-part episode, Joe Lerch sits down with VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch to discuss the big picture on state energy policy related to solar and recent attempts to preempt local authority on siting of facilities. Central to this discussion is the passage in 2020 of Virginia Clean Economy Act, which sets certain targets for deployment of utility-scale solar facilities.
Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 2 | Utility-Scale Solar | Part 2
Part 2. Utility-Scale Solar – Erosion Control and Stormwater with Mike Rolband
In Part 2 of our episode on Utility-Scale Solar, Joe Lerch sits down with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Mike Rolband to focus on issues related to erosion control and stormwater management. We learn about widespread and significant impacts due to developers not adhering to minimum requirements to prevent soil loss and runoff pollution. Director Rolband explains what DEQ has been doing to correct the situation through enforcement, education, and incentives. Counties are part of solving this problem and we’ll learn the role they can play in avoiding and mitigating impacts to soils and waterways.
Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 1 | Data Centers | Part 1
Part 1. Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Chris Kimm, Senior Vice President of Global Customer Care and Experience at Equinix, an American multi-national corporation that builds and operates data centers. Learn about the data center business, and how they provide a seamless and instantaneous experience for commerce, industry, education, and social interactions. In so doing we touch on a range of topics including energy consumption, water use and how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) programs are driving demand for more computing power.
Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 1 | Data Centers | Part 2
Part 2. Listen in as Joe Lerch takes a tour of the Equinix facility in Loudoun County. Before hitting the floor to see where all the processing and storage takes place, Chris Kimm with Equinix guides us through the various components of the power to run the data center.
Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 1 | Data Centers | Part 3
Part 3. Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Loudoun County Vice Chair and VACo Board Member Juli Briskman. We learn how the industry has transformed their community, what steps they’ve taken in terms of planning for its growth and impacts, and what other counties should consider when the industry comes knocking on the door.
