Swift Current Energy recently announced that its Mineral Basin Solar project has been granted a 20-year power contract by NYSERDA, marking a significant stride in New York State’s substantial investment in renewable energy. This selection positions Mineral Basin Solar as the largest land-based energy endeavor chosen under NYSERDA’s competitive solicitation.
The Mineral Basin Solar project, a massive 402 MWac initiative, is situated on reclaimed coal mine sites in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Notably, it stands as Pennsylvania’s largest solar facility and ranks among the United States’ largest solar facilities to repurpose former mine land. Construction is projected to commence as early as summer 2024, aiming for completion by the latter half of 2026. Swift Current Energy is slated to be the long-term owner and operator upon the project’s operational launch.
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) emphasized the significance of this project in revitalizing Pennsylvania’s coalfields and steering the region toward a new energy economy, lauding it as a pivotal step in the nation’s economic trajectory.
Eric Lammers, Co-founder and CEO of Swift Current Energy, highlighted the project’s transformative impact on the energy landscape, underscoring its role in repurposing former mine sites for a progressive purpose in national energy production.
The project is anticipated to generate over 450 direct full-time construction jobs and inject substantial funds into the community through tax revenue and community benefits programs. The environmental impact is also notable, with greenhouse gas emissions reductions equivalent to removing 110,000 gas-powered cars annually.
Swift Current Energy is collaborating with various regional entities to develop renewable energy workforce training opportunities and enhance community engagement, aiming to create opportunities for rural communities.
Local authorities, including Clearfield County Commissioners and Girard Township Supervisors, have expressed support for the project, acknowledging its potential economic benefits and positive environmental impact.
Apart from Mineral Basin Solar, Swift Current Energy is actively pursuing the development of over 1,000 MW of solar and storage capacity on reclaimed coal mines across Pennsylvania. Since its establishment in 2016, Swift Current Energy has successfully commercialized more than 2.5 GW of renewable energy projects
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