Independent power producer Competitive Power Ventures Inc. plans to build a 175-MWac solar facility in Garrett County, Md., at a closed coal mine.
The Backbone Solar, or CPV Backbone, project will be sited on approximately 1,100 acres of Arch Resources Inc.’s former Vindex mine and would generate enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 average Maryland homes, the company said in a March 17 news release.
Construction is slated for early 2022, with operations targeted for mid-2023. Competitive Power Ventures has to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from Maryland regulators. The company said the project would help the state meet its clean energy targets of 14.5% solar energy by 2028 and 50% renewable energy by 2030.
In addition, the company said the Garrett County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution supporting the project during its March 16 regular meeting. Key local groups have also expressed support for the project, the release adds.
In late January, OPC Energy Ltd., along with three Israeli institutional investors, completed the acquisition of Competitive Power Ventures group from Global Infrastructure Management LLC. OPC previously said that it plans to invest significant capital in Competitive Power Ventures to expand its businesses, focusing on renewable energy and highly efficient gas projects.
