By Blake Jackson
A new 111 MW solar power facility has officially began commercial operation on reclaimed land from a former coal mine in Kentucky.
The Martin County Solar Project (MCSP) is one of the largest solar farms in the state and among the first in the U.S. to be developed on previously mined land.
The project was developed, constructed, and is now operated by Savion, a portfolio company under the Shell Group.
Covering 850 acres, the facility features over 214,000 bifacial solar panels and connects to Kentucky Power’s Inez Substation, which was already established on the site.
In December 2021, the Martin County Fiscal Court and the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved the project for a $231 million industrial revenue bond, along with a $600,000 sales tax incentive under the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act.
A key component of the project is its Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Toyota Motor North America, which secures 100 MW of solar energy along with its Renewable Energy Credits (REC). The remaining 11 MW of the generated power will be allocated to Shell Energy North America.
This milestone highlights Kentucky’s commitment to transitioning former coal sites into renewable energy hubs, supporting economic growth and sustainability in the region.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Kentucky, Energy