1. Kentucky ranked #43 in installed solar capacity but is seeing growth with new giant solar arrays.
2. Power purchase agreements are helping to drive the growth of solar power in Kentucky.
3. Colleges and universities in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are partnering on a 150-megawatt solar power plant project, with the potential for more renewable energy projects in the future.
Kentucky, a state known for coal production, has been lagging in solar power capacity but is now making progress with the development of new solar arrays. Six colleges and three universities in Kentucky have joined forces to use power purchase agreements to support the growth of solar energy in the state. Despite facing challenges in the past, such as concerns over transmission costs, Kentucky is moving forward with large-scale solar projects like the Ashwood Solar 1 plant and the SeBree Solar II project.
The SeBree Solar II project is a 150-megawatt solar power plant in Henderson County that involves a partnership with nine schools, including Davidson College, Wake Forest University, and Elon University. This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide educational resources to the partner institutions. Additionally, other solar projects like the Green River Solar project and the Starfire solar project are in progress, signaling a new era for solar power in Kentucky.
To support the growth of solar energy, Kentucky is repurposing old coal mines for solar power and energy storage projects. The Lewis Ridge pumped hydropower energy storage project, with funding from the US Department of Energy, is set to construct reservoirs in a former coal mine for energy storage purposes. By embracing clean energy solutions, Kentucky is expected to significantly increase its solar capacity and contribute to the transition towards renewable energy.