Proposed Wolf Hills Solar project to power 42,000 homes in Washington County, Virginia - WCYB
Proposed Wolf Hills Solar project to power 42,000 homes in Washington County, Virginia
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — A 250 Megawatt solar project is up for discussion in Washington County, Virginia.
While plans are in the early stages, the community will have a chance to learn more.
Energy resources -- a focus in Southwest Virginia.
"I think we have great potential to continue this as an energy region," said Republican Rep. Morgan Griffith, of Virginia.
The next project to help deliver on that potential, is a new solar project, proposed to be located in Washington County, Virginia, at the Bristol Industrial Park.
"We are really excited to be coming to Southwest Virginia to bring a solar project to the region that in our strategy, and the way we think about it, is really, the right way to build solar in our community," said Steve Malnight, president, Catalyst Energy Partners.
It's called Wolf Hills Solar.
"The plant will generate enough power to power about 42,000 homes and it will probably contain around half-a-million solar panels," said Malnight. "It's located adjacent to the Wolf Hills Power Plant, which is an existing facility that has been generating power reliably in the community. I think it's been a very good neighbor -- we will be locating immediately around that power plant and we will be utilizing the same infrastructure that it uses to interconnect the power to the power grid."
Developer, Catalyst Energy Partners, plans to create a hybrid power plant that will provide the community with solar power during the day and use natural gas power when the sun isn't shining.
News 5 asked: I understand there are several benefits that are expected to come from this project as well, including jobs. Can you talk a little bit about how many jobs will be created due to this?
"During the construction of this project, which will probably take about 18 months to two years, we will be employing over 300 people," answered Malnight.
But what are the next steps?
"We are anticipating going to the planning commission at the end of the month, at their June meeting, to kind of provide details for our project and seek approval for the permitting," said Malnight.
Project leaders say the goal is to start producing power in early 2027.
The community will have a chance to learn more about the Wolf Hills Solar Project:
An open house will take place Thursday, May 30, at John S. Battle High School. The open house will begin at 6:00 p.m.
A second open house is slated to be held Thursday, June 13, at Patrick Henry High School.
To learn more about the proposed Wolf Hills solar project, click here.
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