Former coal mining sites in Appalachia are being transformed into clean energy projects as part of a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy (TNC), TNC’s Cumberland Forest Limited Partnership, Sun Tribe Development, and ENGIE. These projects involve 14 solar energy projects with 49 megawatts of energy generation and three battery storage projects with 320 megawatts of expected storage, spread across 360 acres of former coal mine sites. The goal is to benefit the “3Cs” — climate, conservation, and communities, by increasing local tax revenue and creating construction jobs in Appalachia.
Reimagining Energy Technology
Danny Van Clief, CEO of Sun Tribe Development, expressed excitement about the potential of these projects, stating, “Locating solar and battery storage on former mine lands makes perfect sense to us. These sites and the communities they rest within have powered our country for more than a century — all we have to do is reimagine them for today’s energy technology.” By repurposing these sites, the projects aim to power the equivalent of 6,638 homes per year in Appalachia, with locations planned in Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Challenges and Resilience
While some projects are set to benefit from Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives, the freeze and threats to IRA funding by the new administration pose challenges. Dana Kuhnline, senior program director at ReImagine Appalachia, highlighted the local energy and innovation in Appalachia, stating, “What sometimes gets lost in the story about Appalachia is that there is actually a tremendous amount of local energy and innovation, because people love the place, and they stay here because they love it.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding funding, TNC remains committed to advocating for conservation and climate policies to support these projects.
The potential impact of the newly announced projects builds on the success of eight previously announced clean energy projects in collaboration with TNC, Sun Tribe, and Dominion Energy, centered around the Cumberland Forest. The first solar plant in Virginia is expected to begin construction by 2026 and could generate $800,000 in tax revenue for the local community while providing clean solar power and revitalizing a former coal mine site. Additional solar energy projects are slated for completion by 2029, further contributing to the region’s clean energy transition.
Paige, a writer based in Los Angeles who specializes in sustainability, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in fostering a greener future. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and stay informed about the latest developments in environmental conservation and clean energy projects.
By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and to receive electronic communications from EcoWatch Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements, and sponsored content.
