A former coal mine in Pennsylvania will soon host the state's largest solar farm, courtesy of a significant federal boost.
Reid Frazier reports for The Allegheny Front.
In short:
- A $90 million federal grant is set to fund Pennsylvania's largest solar farm on former coal mine territory, aiming to power 70,000 homes.
- The project, led by Mineral Basin Solar LLC, is part of a broader initiative to repurpose former minelands for clean energy ventures.
- Community benefits, job creation, and the use of existing infrastructure underscore the initiative's multi-faceted value.
Key quote:
"The land really isn’t in much use. Now it’s going to be used again for the production of energy, which is obviously always a need in this country. So I think that’s kind of exciting."
— John Sobel, Clearfield County commissioner
Why this matters:
The falling costs of solar technology, coupled with advancements in efficiency and storage capabilities have made solar energy increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources like coal. There may be additional health benefits in the transition from coal to solar: Two 2018 studies showed significantly fewer health risks for babies after nearby coal plants close.
