Nature Conservancy Seeks Partner for Virginia Solar Project; NC's Solar Industry Thrives
The Nature Conservancy is seeking a partner to develop solar power on a vast expanse of cleared minelands in southwest Virginia. Meanwhile, North Carolina's solar industry remains resilient despite the pandemic. A recent lawsuit against the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Virginia has been dismissed, and a homeless shelter in the state has installed a significant rooftop solar array.
The Nature Conservancy, in collaboration with the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is exploring the development of solar power plants on 13,000 acres of mining-free lands in Virginia. This initiative aims to transform cleared minelands into clean energy sources.
In North Carolina, the city of Charlotte is set to construct a 300-acre, 35 MW solar farm as part of a renewable energy agreement with Duke Energy. This project is a testament to the state's commitment to solar energy, which has weathered the pandemic better than most states due to its prevalence of large-scale projects.
A recent development in Virginia involves the dismissal of a lawsuit by private landowners against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The landowners had alleged that the pipeline had the right to seize property by eminent domain. This decision clears the path for the pipeline's construction.
In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, a Virginia homeless shelter has installed the largest rooftop solar array on any homeless shelter in the state. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also helps the shelter save on energy costs.
Diversified Oil & Gas, founded by a West Virginia businessman, has expanded its reach in Appalachia, now owning more than 60,000 wells in the region. This growth reflects the ongoing demand for energy resources in the area.
Environmental and advocacy groups in North Carolina have been putting pressure on Duke Energy over its commitment to climate action and its monopoly in the state. Meanwhile, North Carolina regulators have approved excavation plans for unlined coal ash basins at three of Duke Energy's power plants, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts.
Memphis officials and residents are currently grappling with a significant decision: whether to leave the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and source power from alternative providers.
These developments highlight the ongoing shift towards renewable energy in the region, as well as the persistent challenges and decisions that lie ahead in the energy sector.
