A former coal mine in western Maryland has recently been transformed into the state’s largest solar farm and now generates enough electricity to supply power to more than 30,000 homes.

The site’s launch was announced by Competitive Power Ventures’ (CPV) affiliate CPV Renewable Power and its strategic investment partner Harrison Street Asset Management (HSAM) on December 22.

The newly operational solar facility boasts an installed capacity of 160 megawatts (MW). It was developed on reclaimed mining land in Garrett County, roughly 178 miles from Washington, D.C.

It hosts about 324,000 solar panels spread across a decommissioned coal mine that had previously reached the end of its productive life. “CPV Backbone Solar exemplifies our mission to support a responsible energy transition,” Sherman Knight, CPV CEO, stated.

Mining land repurposed

As the project entered operation, CPV secured its third solar tax equity financing with U.S. Bank. Serving as advisor, Marathon Capital, the US’ largest independent investment bank, highlighted the project’s quality and CPV’s role in large-scale renewable development.

Developed by New Jersey-based solar engineering company Vanguard Energy Partners, the once-thriving coal mine is capable of producing enough electricity to supply approximately 30,000 households annually.

Projects built on former industrial or mining land, often referred to as brownfield redevelopment, are gaining attention as governments and developers seek ways to expand renewable energy without competing with natural habitats.

“By transforming exhausted coal mine land into a productive solar facility, we’re demonstrating how brownfield redevelopment, innovative engineering, and strategic partnerships can meet complex project challenges and deliver new power generation in Maryland,” Knight continued.

Meanwhile, Carolyn Arida, Harrison Street Asset Management senior managing director of infrastructure and co-portfolio manager, emphasized that the project highlights how utility-scale renewables can help meet rising power demand.

“We value our partnership with CPV and look forward to continued collaboration as we expand our portfolio of contracted renewable projects nationwide,” Arida pointed out.

A new energy chapter

Apart from generating clean power, the new solar farm is expected to bring great economic benefits to the local community. Despite contributing significant long-term tax revenue, the farm will also support jobs during construction.

“I’m excited to see the CPV solar project come online,” Delegate Jim Hinebaugh, Jr. said. “Not only does it return previously mined land to use and add to the County’s tax base, it brings a new source of power to the grid at a time when demand for electricity is growing.”

According to CPV, the site’s development started in 2020. Its construction was completed on a complex site shaped by years of mining activity, requiring careful engineering and planning.

The solar farm is part of a broader initiative that includes four operating wind and solar projects, alongside a development pipeline of 4.8 gigawatts (GW).

A second construction phase is already underway. It will increase total installed capacity to 175 MW, and further boost clean energy output from the reclaimed land.

“By bringing this project to Garrett County CPV is helping to preserve our region’s natural beauty while creating new economic value for our residents,” Paul Edwards, Garrett County Board Chairman, said in a press release. “It’s a win-win for us and the environment.”