KENTUCKYThe 485-hectare site that once produced coal will become "greener" with a solar energy project providing electricity for 33.000 homes.
The Martiki coal mine that closed in the 1990s in eastern Kentucky will be converted into the state's largest solar farm, which could begin providing power as early as 2024, Interesting Engineering reported on January 3. The project is called Martin County Solar, conducted by Savion Energy company.
As many countries are aiming to reduce carbon emissions, renewable energy sources such as solar power are one of the most popular options. Solar power infrastructure is not only easy to install but can also be integrated into existing structures, such as roofs. Solar farms can also help convert old facilities such as mines or landfills to other uses.
The Martiki coal mine is one of about 130.000 sites that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has earmarked for renewable energy projects. The 485-hectare site, which once produced coal, a carbon-emitting material, will now be “refurbished” with solar panels generating up to 200 MW of electricity.
Construction is expected to begin next year and last 12 – 18 months. The solar farm will then connect to a 138 kV substation from developer Kentucky Power. The amount of electricity generated is enough to supply about 33.000 homes in Kentucky. The project will also create 250 – 300 jobs during construction and 11 full-time jobs.
Savion Energy oversees renewable energy projects from design concept to construction. The company currently has 90 solar power projects and more than 40 energy storage projects underway with a total capacity of 15 GW.
According to VnExpress