Edelen Renewables hopes to expand solar technology in central Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington landfill may be the next location to source clean, renewable energy for the city.
What You Need To Know
- A solar energy company hopes to break ground at one of Lexington’s old landfills
- Edelen Renewable is aiming to create economic value with its proposed project for the city
- The project would move forward over the next 18 months
- Edelen said the project would be a land lease and reduce the city’s obligations
From southeastern to western Kentucky, and now Central Kentucky, Edelen Renewables, a solar energy developer, is looking toward Lexington.
It’s not just business, according to CEO Adam Edelen; it’s a special place, particularly in terms of its natural resources and his hometown.
“We’re here because I’m never leaving,” Edelen said. “But we’re also here because we believe that by demonstrating that we can do these projects in places like coal country on Indian reservations and the majority minority communities in the deep south, we demonstrate that this is a place where big things can happen.”
On Thursday, the company introduced its “unsolicited proposal” to recommission the old Haley Pike landfill on the outskirts of Lexington, near Bluegrass Station and an old army depot.
The company is aiming to create economic value through the project.
“We believe this project checks every box from economic development and energy independence and green energy ambitions while respecting the city’s long-held approach that private farmland ought to be held to preserve the culture and integrity that this community is known for,” Edelen said.
There are 400 acres on-site for development, he said.
According to a news release, the project proposes it could create 100-thousand megawatt hours within its first year alone.
David Absher joined the company in December 2024 as the chief development officer. The longtime conservationist said they are charting new territory for sustainable energy by using a landfill.
“When I looked at the land space and I looked at the advancements in solar technology and came to realize that we’ve already got to the point now where we can use wastelands, which were previously thought to be unusable, for the construction of solar,” Absher said. “While the land is resting and healing below the surface, why not use the surface for something productive?”
Absher said the company is excited about the innovation and potential growth of clean energy in Kentucky.
“We’ve proven we can do it now, and it will be studied. I believe that will be repeated, and I think that’s a great thing,” he said.
If the proposal is confirmed, the company will move forward over the next 18 months.
Edelen said the project, which is possible through a land lease with Lexington, will reduce the city’s obligations for the landfill.