Staff of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet Office of Energy Policy recently toured the world’s first large-scale solar field on a closed coal ash site using a patented closure cap system.
Project Phoenix employs careful grading and tight placement of solar panels to yield a site four times more efficient, using only 270 acres compared to 1,000 acres for a similar project to generate 100 megawatts. The site, which will connect the solar panels to a geoengineered turf foundation and innovative ground mounting system, is slated to enter service in 2028. The array is located on Tennessee Valley Authority property adjacent to an existing power plant and is expected to generate 100 megawatts, enough to power more than 58,000 homes. The solar project is an innovative reuse option for a closed coal ash site, helps preserve Kentucky’s agricultural farmland, and builds a sustainable energy future.
