Pennsylvania’s largest solar farm is about to become a reality, as the state will pump $90 million into establishing the sprawling facility, taking advantage of 2,700 acres of what was once the domain of the Homer City coal plant.
Located in the former Clearfield County coal mining sites, the Mineral Basin Solar Project aims to fill the energy shortfall left by the deactivation of Pennsylvania’s largest coal plant in July 2023.
Swift Current Energy (SCE), a promoter in the field of renewable energy renewable energy is in charge of the creation of this 402 MW solar plant that promises to supply green energy to no less than 75,000 homes. On the project website, SCE discloses that it is evaluating the possibility of integrating energy storage systems using delocalized batteries.
Pennsylvania’s largest solar farm
This project is not only intended to be a pioneering initiative for SCE but also marks the beginning of an ambitious plan for converting old coal deposits into solar energy sourcesThe company’s goal is to develop approximately 1,000 MW in the Appalachian region over the next five years.
Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. was recently announced, coming from funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act promoted by the Biden administration. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the role of this project within the national agenda, highlighting its contribution to employment and economic development in areas impacted by changes in the energy sector.
The construction of this monumental solar farm is expected to generate more than 750 direct jobs during the construction phase and six permanent jobs once operational, in addition to contributing $1.1 million in annual tax revenues to local jurisdictions. Work could begin this summer, with a view to the facility starting operations in the second half of 2026, backed by a 20-year power purchase agreement awarded by NYSERDA in November 2023.
It is also important to note that Mineral Basin Solar Power, LLC has committed nearly $20 million to economic development in the region, seeking to open doors to training and employment in emerging sectors for residents of the 27 counties involved, ranging from youth to adults seeking retraining.
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Source: electrek.co
Photo: shutterstock
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