Construction on the gigantic Maple Hill Solar project has been reported to be completed. The project is located in Portage Township, Pennsylvania. Additionally, the plant uses bifacial solar panels and single-axis tracking. This maximizes energy production; reported generating approximately 185,000 MWh of zero-emissions electricity annually.
Also Read: Construction begins on the largest solar plant in Kentucky, Unbridled Solar
How big is the solar project?
The 100-MW solar plant is owned by Competitive Power Ventures. Moreover, it is part of the company’s growing portfolio of utility-scale renewable projects in operation, construction and development. “Completion of the CPV Maple Hill Solar project is a tremendous milestone for our company as we continue our efforts to help lead the energy transition by bringing new low- or zero-carbon resources online,” said Sean Finnerty, executive VP of renewable power for CPV.
The company behind the Maple Hill Solar plant construction
Furthermore, the plant was constructed by Gemma Power Systems. It is one of CPV’s three utility-scale solar projects in construction in 2023. Additionally, it is the first to enter operation. The Maple Hill Solar Project joins five operating wind projects in the company’s renewable portfolio. This is in addition to nearly 4 GW of additional renewable projects in development.
“We are very pleased to see the CPV Maple Hill Solar complete construction and enter operations,” said Ben Selapack, representing the Township Supervisors. “Portage Township is proud to have worked with CPV to repurpose former coal- and timber-stripped land to create what is now the largest solar facility in the state.”
Further, it was constructed over a former coal mine and consists of 235,000 solar panels. “We are thankful to have had the support of the Township of Portage and Cambria County throughout the development and construction process and look forward to continuing to be a part of this community for many years to come as we deliver clean energy to the region,” Sean Finnerty continued.
The Three Rivers Energy project by Competitive Power Ventures
Another major project Competitive Power Ventures recently began running is the Three Rivers Energy Plant. Opened in October, the US$1.3 billion power plant broke ground eight years ago. It is located in Illinois. The 1,250 MW natural gas-fueled combined-cycle electric generation facility is located in Goose Lake Township, Grundy County. Additionally, the company has reported that the plant can provide power to 1.25 million homes in the state.
The Three Rivers Energy plant is expected to be staffed with 23 full-time operations personnel. Furthermore, it will create an estimated 75 additional jobs to provide services to the plant. It will also contribute tax revenue, which will support public services and school funding. In addition, the plant will offset carbon dioxide emissions equivalent of taking more than 300,000 cars off the road each year. This helps to safely meet the demand for energy in Illinois with reliable, cost-effective and environmentally low emissions generation.
More specifically, the project uses clean-burning natural gas and state-of-the-art technology. This includes two combustion turbines (CT), and two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG). Moreover, two steam turbines (ST) to maximize efficiency.
