By Blake Jackson
Kentucky, synonymous with coal, is stepping into the sunshine with the construction of Unbridled, a 160-megawatt (MW) solar farm set to be the state's largest. This titan of clean energy, rising in Henderson and Webster counties, marks a significant shift towards a greener future.
National Grid Renewables, partnering with Wanzek Construction, is spearheading this project. Unbridled's annual clean energy output will be enough to power 120,000 homes, a beacon of hope in a state where solar currently accounts for a meager 0.41% of electricity generation (ranking it 43rd in the US).
But unbridled isn't just about powering homes; it's about powering progress. Over its first 20 years, it's estimated to inject $42 million into the local economy, creating 200 jobs, generating $11 million in new tax revenue, and benefiting farmers and landowners to the tune of $24 million.
"Unbridled," declares Blake Nixon, president of National Grid Renewables, "exemplifies our commitment to the clean energy transition and its benefits for rural communities across America."
The impact doesn't stop there. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) predicts Kentucky's solar capacity to skyrocket by 3,370 MW in the next five years, propelling it to 16th in the national solar ranking.
This is a remarkable turnaround for a state deeply rooted in coal, with one in five US operating coal mines calling Kentucky home. Coal-fired power plants still generate a hefty 68% of the state's electricity.
But the tide is turning. Renewables like Unbridled offer not just cleaner skies but also economic opportunities. As coal fades, Kentucky is embracing a brighter future, powered by the sun and fueled by hope.
Photo Credit: solar-pexels-pixabay
Categories: Kentucky, Energy