CEP Renewables Commences Construction on 19 MW Foul Rift Solar Project in Warren County, New Jersey

Construction has officially commenced on the Foul Rift solar project, a 19 MW dc grid supply initiative spearheaded by CEP Renewables in White Township, Warren County, New Jersey. Located on a former brownfield site once marred by the operations of a composting facility, the project marks a significant step towards environmental remediation and sustainable energy provision in the region.

CEP Renewables, led by Executive Vice President Chris Ichter, has championed the project as a dual-purpose endeavor: mitigating environmental damages while advancing clean energy infrastructure. The site’s history of environmental violations, documented by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), necessitated extensive remediation efforts prior to the project’s inception. Soil contamination, including hazardous metals like arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, prompted a thorough cleanup initiative led by CEP.

The project not only addresses environmental concerns but also fulfills community needs, as evidenced by CEP’s collaboration with White Township. In exchange for interconnection easement rights, CEP has committed to constructing a porous pavement walking path spanning the township’s recreational fields. This collaboration not only enhances community amenities but also resolves a longstanding infrastructure gap due to funding constraints.

Furthermore, the Foul Rift project aligns with New Jersey’s broader renewable energy objectives, contributing to the state’s status as a leader in solar capacity per square mile. With a fixed-tilt, bifacial solar module configuration, the project is anticipated to achieve commercial operation by September 2024, bolstering New Jersey’s progress towards its ambitious goal of achieving 100 percent clean electricity by 2035.

In summary, CEP Renewables’ Foul Rift solar project exemplifies the transformative potential of renewable energy initiatives, simultaneously addressing environmental challenges, enhancing community infrastructure, and propelling New Jersey towards a sustainable energy future.