FirstEnergy announced on Tuesday the commencement of construction for a 5.5-MW solar farm in West Virginia, marking a significant step in its energy transition efforts.
The project, led by FirstEnergy subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison, involves the development of the Rivesville solar farm on a 27-acre brownfield site in Marion County. This site, previously a coal ash landfill unused since the closure of the Rivesville Power Station in 2012, will be repurposed for renewable energy generation.
“We are excited to begin construction on this innovative project that will repurpose a former coal ash landfill into a source of clean energy,” said Steven Strah, President and Chief Executive Officer of FirstEnergy. “This solar farm is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.”
Mon Power and Potomac Edison are also encouraging their customers in West Virginia to participate in their solar program, which aims to develop 50 MW of solar sites in the state. The Rivesville solar farm is the second of the planned five sites, following the successful connection of the 18.9-MW solar plant at the Fort Martin Power Station.
Construction of the Rivesville solar farm and a 5.7-MW facility in Berkeley County is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Additionally, Mon Power and Potomac Edison intend to seek final approval from the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to build two more solar sites — an 11.5-MW facility in Davis, Tucker County, and an 8.4-MW facility in Weirton, Hancock County — pending customer subscription to the energy they will produce.
