WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing in the sustainability of current and former mine land and taking a significant step forward in improving the resiliency and reliability of coal-reliant communities.
Wednesday, DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) officially awarded Clearfield County, with more than $2 million (of the total federal cost share of up to $90 million) for the first phase of the Mineral Basin Solar Project.
Mineral Basin plans to repurpose almost 2,700 acres and develop 401 MW of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) generation on a site that was formerly used for subsurface coal mining in Clearfield County.
This project has the potential to be the largest solar farm in Pennsylvania to date and could produce enough clean energy to power more than 70,000 homes, increasing regional access to clean energy and filling a critical electricity generation gap following the closure of the Homer City Generating Station.
It could also serve as a demonstration for future mine land-to-solar projects in the greater Appalachian region.
The project expects to create more than 750 construction jobs and six operations jobs, while providing $1.1 million in annual tax revenue to Goshen and Girard townships, Clearfield County and the Clearfield Area School District, according to a previously-published press release.
Once operational, Mineral Basin will contribute $500 for every megawatt generated annually to Goshen and Girard townships for community improvements, for a total of more than $200,000 per year.
Mineral Basin Solar Power LLC, a subsidiary of Swift Current Energy, the selectee, plans to partner with multiple local and regional education and workforce stakeholders to increase economic mobility for citizens across a 27-county region; make significant improvements to the water quality on the Susquehanna River; and create high-demand, high-wage jobs across multiple sectors.
During Phase 1, which is expected to last three months, Mineral Basin intends to carry out project planning, refine budgets and schedules, prepare for permitting and conduct community benefits planning.
View the project fact sheet and community benefits commitments summary here. Learn more about engagement opportunities here.
