Swift Current Energy's Mineral Basin Solar Project Awarded 20-Year NYSERDA Power Contract

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Nov 20, 2023, 14:19 ET

The 402 MWac Solar Project Will Repurpose Former Mine Land, Creating 450 Jobs During Construction and New Source of Revenue for Clearfield County, Pennsylvania

BOSTON and HOUSTON, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Swift Current Energy announced that NYSERDA has awarded its Mineral Basin Solar project a 20-year power contract as part of New York State's largest-ever state investment in renewable energy. Mineral Basin Solar is the largest land-based energy project to be selected as a part of NYSERDA's competitive solicitation.

Mineral Basin Solar is a 402 MWac project sited on reclaimed coal mine sites in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, making it the largest solar facility in Pennsylvania and one of the largest solar facilities in the United States to be sited on former mine land. Construction of the project could begin as soon as summer 2024 and the project is scheduled to be online by the second half of 2026. Once operational, Swift Current will remain the long-term owner and operator of the solar plant.

"The Mineral Basin Solar project is a game-changing opportunity to bring the new energy economy to the very Pennsylvania coalfields that powered the industrial development of our Nation," said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). "This project is an important step in demonstrating that Clearfield County and our rural communities will help light the way to our Nation's economic future."

Eric Lammers, Swift Current Energy Co-founder and CEO said, "Clearfield County and Goshen and Girard Townships have contributed to the energy economy in the form of coal mining for generations. The development, construction, and operation of the Mineral Basin Solar project will continue the community's leadership in energy production and show how former mine sites can be innovatively repurposed at scale for a new and restorative purpose in the nation's energy landscape."

Lammers added, "Support of Senator Casey and his office has been vital to ensure viability of development of renewable energy on reclaimed and abandoned mine lands in Pennsylvania and throughout Appalachia. We look forward to continuing working with Senator Casey and local leaders to ensure the execution of this project and other projects like it that bring jobs and new source of revenue to energy communities."

The construction of Mineral Basin Solar will create more than 450 direct full-time construction jobs. Additionally, Mineral Basin Solar will contribute millions of dollars into the community, both through tax revenue and direct community benefits programs. The greenhouse gas emissions avoided as a result of this solar project will be equivalent to removing 110,000 gas-powered cars from the road each year.

Swift Current has partnered with Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and Clearly Ahead Development to develop renewable energy workforce training opportunities. Additionally, Mineral Basin Solar is also engaging the communities served by the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board in Western New York. The Mineral Basin Solar workforce and community benefits plan aims to boost opportunities for rural communities.

The Clearfield County Commissioners said in a statement, "This is great news for Clearfield County. The increased tax revenue from the property on which the Mineral Basin Solar project will be located as well as the dozens of temporary construction jobs created will bring needed dollars to the County. As our County transitions to renewable energy sources, Clearfield County has a chance to be at the forefront of these changes. We are also beginning to become a center for cutting edge technology of energy production, which will only bring more energy related jobs in the future."

The Girard Township Supervisors said in a statement, "We always endeavor to see improvements in our area. The Swift Current Energy project is doing just that. With regards to the environment, this project is clean and uses the latest technology. In regards to the economy, this project could bring jobs to the people! In our small township, and neighboring communities, many homes sit empty due to lack of work for our residents."

In addition to Mineral Basin Solar, Swift Current is developing more than 1,000 MW of solar and storage capacity on reclaimed coal mines throughout Pennsylvania. Founded in 2016, Swift Current has commercialized more than 2.5 GW of renewable energy projects.

About Swift Current Energy

Swift Current Energy is investing in renewable energy to create a sustainable future. Founded in 2016, the company develops, constructs, owns and operates highly competitive, utility-scale wind, solar and energy storage projects across the United States. BAES Infrastructure is the majority owner of Swift Current Energy, with the other owners being IFM Net Zero Infrastructure Fund and Lookout Ridge Energy Partners. For more information, please visit swiftcurrentenergy.com.

SOURCE Swift Current Energy