Alternative Energy Park Proposed

The former Ford Norfolk Assembly Plant location will become one of the country’s next alternative energy plants according to the Jacoby Group in Atlanta. The plant has a total land area of 109 acres of industrially-zoned waterfront and rail-served land with approximately 2.6 million square feet of manufacturing facilities. Convenient access to I-464 and I-64. The plant has 1,500 feet fronting the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River. A 450-foot concrete pier has been constructed to the barge-depth channel.

Offshore Wind Energy

Norfolk is a member of VOW, Virginia’s Offshore Wind Coalition. Our shipbuilders, fabricators, distributors and integrated electronic system providers are representative of the supply chain resources that will be needed to make offshore wind energy a reality.

Proponents of commercial wind power 12 miles or beyond Virginia's coast believe the giant turbines could ultimately provide 10 percent of the state's annual electricity demand and operate without incident in the military's busy seas.

The Department of Defense is studying 25 tracts identified for optimum winds. A recent report identifies 18 tracts as compatible with military needs and rules as long as certain guidelines are met. They were not detailed in the report.

City of Norfolk Energy Conservation Programs

The City of Norfolk has achieved certification by the Virginia Municipal League as a Green Government. The city’s Manager of Environmental Protection Programs actively leads efforts to incorporate sustainability into municipal operations. The City is recycling in most city-owned buildings and engages thousands of volunteers each year in programs to reduce litter and waste and promote a greater sense of pride in our city. Town Point Park, which re-opened after substantial renovations in July 2009, boasts an eco-friendly plant palate, lighting fixtures that minimize energy, furnishings manufactured from recycled material and trash recycling during all events.

The Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium

Scientists, engineers and geographers at Virginia Tech - ARI, Old Dominion University, Science Applications International Corp., Paliria Energy, Norfolk State University and James Madison University are researching offshore wind power; mapping offshore areas and economic development impact. Download several presentations from the vcerc.org site.

Reducing Air Pollution

The Green Operators (GO) Program provides rebates to retrofit older vehicles with more emission-efficient engines and recognizes partners for setting and achieving goals for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases associated with the transport of goods.

The Green Operators (GO) program builds on the Virginia Port Authority's previous effort to clean up drayage trucks serving its Port of Virginia facility. The GO program provides incentives to retrofit older vehicles with more emission-efficient engines and recognizes partners for setting and achieving goals for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases associated with the transport of goods. GO partners include both carriers and shippers, each doing their part to clean up the air.

Renewable Energy Business - Opportunity for Global Growth

The forecast is for opportunities in import-wholesale and import-retail of products in the category of solar and wind power systems with products such as solar water heaters, solar power generators, solar water pumps, solar chargers, lighting, fans and other photovoltaic systems products. Related wind power technology components include the gearbox and drive train, rotors, bearings, electrical and control systems, inverters, towers and brakes, blades, shafts, generators, etc. Many alliances and research partnerships for emerging technologies and the renewable energy business sector are active and a great resource such as the DOE, Green Job Alliance, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and ACORE.

Biomass

ODU researchers have designed a test reactor that converts algae directly into biodiesel fuel without any intermediate step. The particulars of the system are secret, with hopes the procedure can be patented. Slimy algae can be transformed in less than an hour into a fuel that could power a tractor. vcerc.org