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HAPPY FRIDAY
October 25, 2024
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Welcome to Energy Right’s weekly roundup! This week our team visited just under half a dozen counties
around the Commonwealth on our mission for
Clean Energy the Right Way.
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From Brown Fields to Clean Green:
An Alternate Use for Dump Sites
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Photo from First Energy
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The recent launch of a 5.5-megawatt solar farm on a former coal ash landfill in Rivesville, West Virginia, showcases how brownfield sites (coal-ash waste sites in this instance) can be effectively transformed into productive renewable energy projects. This solar installation, which generates enough electricity to power nearly 1,000 homes, not only brings cost-effective clean energy to the region but also creates local jobs and supports the Rivesville economy. It’s a practical demonstration of how
transitioning to solar can revitalize former industrial areas while boosting the local tax base.
West Virginia’s legislative support for solar development on brownfields, including plans for additional projects on previously industrial land, highlights the economic and environmental benefits of this approach. Although the state currently lags in solar capacity, recent trends and government backing present a significant opportunity for growth as West Virginia diversifies its energy portfolio and attracts new investments.
Virginia is well-positioned to replicate and expand this model, with over 200,000 acres of former industrial sites available for solar development. Converting these reclaimed lands into solar farms not only addresses environmental remediation but also drives economic growth and ensures that former coal communities can continue to play a leading role in America’s energy landscape. This strategy aligns with Virginia’s energy goals while respecting local traditions and economic needs.
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How Rural Communities Can Harness Solar Amidst Concerns
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Amid ongoing debates about data centers and solar energy in Virginia, it’s important to recognize a conservative viewpoint that sees opportunities where others may see burdens. While some express concerns about rural communities shouldering the demands of energy-intensive data centers, solar projects present a chance for these same communities to benefit economically. By embracing clean energy initiatives, rural landowners can secure significant tax revenue and funding through siting agreements—mechanisms that enjoy bipartisan support in the state legislature.
The rights of landowners to choose how they use their property remain a core principle. Many are finding that solar projects not only align with their values but also offer substantial economic rewards. Clean energy development can drive local investment and create jobs, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth. However, there’s still work to ensure that these benefits are equitably distributed and that rural communities are fully empowered to participate in the transition to clean energy.
By fostering collaboration between government, industry, and local residents, Virginia can build a more balanced approach that respects tradition while pursuing innovation. This pathway allows rural areas to thrive economically while contributing to a cleaner, more resilient energy future for the entire state.
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Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
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This week, our team travelled to:
Brunswick, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Scott, and Sussex counties.
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Fort Blackmore, Virginia
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This week, Energy Right participated in a community meeting at the Fort Blackmore Primary School to
discuss a proposed small scale solar facility in Scott County. We enjoyed learning more about the project and speaking with community members and neighbors!
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Ground-mounted solar array installed on former coal mine site in West Virginia
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Coalfield Development has completed a 12 kW micro-agrivoltaics solar array on a reclaimed coal mine in Mingo County, West Virginia, marking the state’s first non-profit project of this kind. Located at the Highwall site, the initiative blends solar energy with sustainable agriculture, serving as a model for economic diversification and land revitalization. Installed by Revolt Energy, it supports local workforce development while powering farm operations and job training.
CEO Jacob Hannah, a third-generation coal miner, views the project as a step toward Appalachia’s resilience, transforming abandoned sites into valuable assets. This effort reflects Coalfield’s commitment to revitalizing communities through innovative land use and renewable energy, as well as showing the greater reach clean energy alternatives are beginning to see.
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NEXT WEEK
We’ll be going to Brunswick, King George, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Roanoke, and Surry counties.
Have a great weekend!
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Appalachian Power has received approval to build its first battery energy storage system in Southwest
Virginia, aimed at improving reliability for nearly 2,800 customers prone to frequent outages. The $57.3 million project will establish two sites in Grayson and Smyth counties, providing 7.5 megawatts of capacity. While there were suggestions to build a new substation instead, the project aligns with the Virginia Clean Economy Act’s goals and is seen as a cost-effective solution to enhance service reliability and support clean energy targets.
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