Competitive Power Ventures has announced its plans to construct and operate a 175 MW AC solar farm in Garrett County, Maryland. The company will build the 175MW AC Backbone Solar Farm facility on former Vindex/Arch Coal mining sites north of Kitzmiller. They will also file an application with the State of Maryland to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The facility will be built on land covering approximately 1,100 acres. The solar farm would generate power for nearly 30,000 average Maryland homes. A company spokesperson said the facility will also help Maryland meet its target of 50% renewables by 2030.
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Since 2020, Competitive Power Ventures has conducted environmental, geotechnical, electrical, and engineering studies. The company plans to begin construction works next year. Once approved, the solar farm will take 14 months to build, with the start of operations planned for mid-2023. CPV executive vice-president, Sean Finnerty stated: “This project exemplifies CPV’s mission to deliver responsible energy while creating significant positive benefits for the region in which it is located. We are grateful for the warm reception we’ve received and look forward to working with the community as we move forward with the project.”
Jennifer Walsh, executive director of economic development organization The Greater Cumberland Committee, said: “We are excited that Garrett County has been chosen as the site for a large, utility-scale renewable energy project. In addition to the positive impacts on our entire region, several committee member companies and organizations are excited about the opportunities this project presents. CPV has created several world-class energy projects across the country and the committee looks forward to working closely with CPV and government officials in both Annapolis and locally to build another here in Garrett County.”
