By Tim Ryan
The Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC), based in Ashland, Virginia, has been awarded $150,000 as a Phase 1 winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions’ Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Round 3. This recognition underscores DEIC’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and supporting early-stage technology companies.
With this funding, DEIC has launched “DEIC Hyperscaled,” a virtual accelerator program aimed at connecting data center-focused energy and sustainability startups with major customers and potential corporate investors. The 11-week program offers education, mentorship, and pathways to pilot projects with partners such as Dominion Energy and QTS. The initiative addresses critical challenges in the data center industry, including energy efficiency, grid infrastructure, water usage, backup power, and design.
Virginia’s prominence in the data center sector is significant, with Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley” housing 35% of the world’s hyperscale data centers and facilitating over 70% of global internet traffic. Data centers account for 21% of Dominion Energy’s Virginia power sales, highlighting the importance of innovative energy solutions in this field.
DEIC’s selection as the sole Virginia-based organization among 23 nationwide EPIC Round 3 winners reflects its pivotal role in fostering energy innovation ecosystems. The EPIC program aims to enhance local business productivity and accelerate the commercialization of energy startups.
Through initiatives like DEIC Hyperscaled, the Dominion Energy Innovation Center continues to drive the development of sustainable energy technologies, contributing to Virginia’s leadership in the clean energy sector.
Congratulations to the DEIC team!
