NASA and Virginia Energy Partner on Solar and Weather Data for Long-Term Energy Security

NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, has partnered with the Virginia Department of Energy to support more reliable, resilient energy planning across the commonwealth.

Under a new Space Act agreement announced at a Friday ceremony, NASA Langley will provide solar, weather, and future weather risk datasets for energy system modeling and planning. The data will help officials make more informed decisions about energy generation, delivery, and use.

NASA Data Will Support Virginia Energy Planning

The partnership will leverage NASA’s atmospheric science expertise to support Virginia Energy’s resiliency research, resource analysis, and long-term energy planning.

“NASA Langley welcomes the opportunity to put our unique scientific data into the hands of people who want to improve their lives,” said NASA Langley Deputy Director Allen Kilgore. “This partnership with Virginia Energy will benefit Virginians and provide stronger energy security for the commonwealth.”

The agreement will help state officials prepare for current and potential extreme weather events in Virginia and assess their impact on electricity demand, energy generation, and system stress. The information can be incorporated directly into energy policy, planning, and operational decisions.

By helping Virginians better predict energy needs, prepare for extreme weather, and understand the factors that affect power generation, the partnership supports a more reliable and resilient energy system.

Weather Data Can Improve Electricity Forecasting

“Sound energy planning relies on models that reflect real-world conditions,” said Virginia Energy Director Vince Maiden. “This collaboration will enable us to better understand how weather impacts electricity supply and demand, identify vulnerabilities, and consider resource trade-offs with more confidence.”

The partnership will incorporate related NASA World Energy Resources Estimation (POWER) data products into Virginia Energy’s modeling and analysis systems. POWER Information supports energy generation system design and energy production forecasting using validated data products from NASA’s Earth Science to Action program.

These NASA products represent research and development across the agency, including work from the Goddard Space Flight Center in Langley, Greenbelt, Maryland, and the Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

Digital Pipeline Will Connect Virginia Energy to NASA POWER Data

Virginia Energy will be able to connect to Langley’s POWER web platform through a digital pipeline. This system will allow the agency to download specific datasets and incorporate them directly into its modeling tools.

Members of NASA’s POWER team will work with Virginia Energy researchers to streamline the data exchange, adjust data formats, and assess the need for additional information.

NASA Langley Strategic Partnership

The new partnership is facilitated through NASA Langley’s Office of Strategic Partnerships. The office connects industry, academia, and other government agencies with the center’s facilities, capabilities, specialized test environments, and technical expertise to turn ideas into reality.

Learn more about NASA Langley’s strategic partnerships below.