PA Solar Energy in Boosted at Abandoned Mines
Pennsylvania has always been an energy leader. In the early 19th and early 20th centuries, PA coal once helped power the world. But since then, the state generates most of its power with natural gas and mining companies have abandoned their old mines. Still, PA is the top electricity exporter in the US, exporting more MWh than any other state. Thankfully, these dangerous and toxic old coal fields might have a future in the 21st century in solar energy. And it could lead to cheap electricity rates.
Dangers of Abandoned Mine Land
Former mine land can be dangerous. Did you know one-third the nation’s abandoned mine land is in PA? That’s about 11,249 mines. And nearly 10,000 of these have either environmental impacts or health and safety issues. These stem from various issues, including unstable tunnels, exposed shafts, polluted water sources, and underground mine fires.
But state lawmakers are trying to help fix that. US Senator Bob Casey in particular has been advocating for cleanup of former mine lands. In part, by securing millions in funding for PA from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, among others. Senator Casey also passed the STREAM Act. The STEAM Act allows states more flexibility to use law funding to clean up acid mine drainage. And to address other long-term impacts of former mine land.
Former Coal Mine to be PA’s Largest Solar Array
And now, thanks in part to the Mineral Basin Solar Project, old mine lands could also change the clean energy game in PA.
They’re promising to build a 402 MW solar farm over former mine land in Goshen and Girard townships. And the company is promising various economic benefits. Including increased tax revenue, and an annual $200,000 donation to local community funds. In fact, the Department of Energy just awarded $90 million to the Delaware company for the project.
However, none of this new solar energy will stay in the state. Despite being built on PA mine land, all the electricity has been reserved for 20 years by state of New York.
Potential for PA Solar on Abandoned Mine Land
However, state lawmakers don’t intend to let PA miss out on the solar potential.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently touted the benefits of building solar on former mine land. The DEP report found nearly 169,000 acres of former mine lands could host solar farms. These solar farms would only use 5% of that land to produce 1.5 gigawatts of solar energy. That’s enough to power Pittsburgh.
The report makes a number of reccomendations to help PA reach their green energy goals. Hopefully, iy won’t be long before clean energy is more readily available in the state.
Get Clean Energy for Your Home
Cleaning up and reusing abandoned mine land in PA is a fantastic investment in the future. But, while it will take time for solar to soar in PA, you don’t have to wait. With PA Energy Ratings you can not only get a green electricity plan, but you can save money with it too! Compare plans, read reviews, and more. Visit https://www.paenergyratings.com