South Jersey solar power: Vineland landfill to be adapted for energy project. What we know
South Jersey solar power: Vineland landfill to be adapted for energy project. What we know
Foundation opens Romano trail in Menantico Creek Preserve in Vineland
Vineland native Gregory Romano now has a wilderness trail named for him at the Menantico Creek Preserve, 690 acres in Vineland. He helped establish it.
VINELAND — Construction could begin before the end of a year on a solar power field that would sit atop the former municipal landfill, feeding the city electricity and lease money.
The concept for making use of a large piece of land judged unfit for any regular uses was dropped on Vineland more than three years ago. Members of the planning board met Wednesday night and approved a plan from Vineland Solar, a corporation formed to carry out the project.
An attraction for the city is that the electricity created by the 27,540 solar panels is for the sole use of Vineland Municipal Electric Utility. The city would receive the energy at a below-market cost under a purchasing agreement with Vineland Solar.
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Aggreko Energy Transition Solutions is the parent company of Vineland Solar. Company representatives Michael Kushuer and Nicholas Hornak briefed members of city council at their meeting Jan. 21.
In February, council members approved executing a lease agreement for 20 years with Vineland Solar. The company could exercise a five-year extension if it chooses.
The lease arrangement would pay Vineland $20,000 per megawatt for an estimated annual revenue of $375,000. The company is also to pay a $4-million interconnection fee and is responsible for doing the work under Vineland Municipal Electric Utility supervision.
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At a meeting March 12, Aggreko ETI development manager Chris Rose urged planning board members to consider the possible ramifications of the current tariff dispute between the United States and the Canadian province of Ontario.
Rose said these solar power projects are critically important insurance against supply problems.
According to testimony, the landfill “cap” will not be affected by installation of solar power infrastructure. The equipment will sit on the ground, held down with concrete ballast.
The landfill, located at 1271 South Mill Road, is approximately 89 acres. It was closed around 1989, according to testimony.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
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