Coalfield Development announces solar installation on reclaimed Mingo County mine land

PRESS RELEASE:

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Coalfield Development announces the  completion of its installation of a ground-mounted solar array on a former coal mine site in Mingo County, West Virginia. This small-scale pilot project is comprised of a 12 kW micro agrivoltaics solar array on seven acres of reclaimed mine land in Delbarton. Agrivoltaics  refers to the dual use of land for solar energy production and agriculture, and this array marks the first non-profit installation of its kind in the state. Installed by Revolt Energy of  Nitro at Coalfield Development’s Highwall site, this project supports the diversification of  the region’s economy through renewable energy and serves as a model for land and  community revitalization, sustainable agriculture, and workforce development. 

“A long-time goal of ours has been to prove the concept that renewable energy and legacy  coal sites can complement each other to serve West Virginians,” said Coalfield  Development CEO, Jacob Hannah. “This project is serving as a learning opportunity to  scale this approach for larger projects, like the Nicholas County solar on mine lands effort  that we’re involved with.” Hannah, who hails from three generations of coal miners, is  optimistic that projects like these can contribute to Appalachia’s long-term resilience.  “This project gives me hope that we can literally build upon our legacy and continue our  birthright to produce energy for the nation,” he said.  

Through permaculture, Coalfield Development began reclaiming the formerly-abandoned  mine site known as Highwall in 2019. Permaculture is a design approach that integrates  land, resources, people, and the environment in a sustainable, harmonious way. Highwall is now creating economic opportunities for local workers and has erected a farmstand to  sell food produced on the site. The Coalfield staff who work at Highwall steward and  develop the land, tend to livestock, and operate the farmstand. The solar array is designed  to provide consistent energy to power their work, including coolers, job training locations, and other entrepreneurial activities. The panels also provide shade to enhance the land’s  ability to recover.  

“This project reflects Coalfield’s commitment to a future where Appalachia’s legacy of  resilience and endurance is celebrated,” said Hannah. “We’ve transformed an abandoned  strip mine – long seen as a liability – into a valuable asset for the entire community.” 

About Coalfield Development

Coalfield Development is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization headquartered in Wayne  County, West Virginia, focused on rebuilding the Appalachian economy from the ground up  through incubating and investing in employment-based social enterprises; facilitating  professional, personal, and academic development for people facing barriers to  employment; and leading and collaborating on community-based revitalization projects.  

Coalfield Development’s Highwall solar project is made possible through the generous  support of funders and collaborators like the Honnold Foundation and The Nature  Conservancy (TNC). The Honnold Foundation and TNC share Coalfield’s mission of  working toward a future in which historic, energy-producing communities have socially,  environmentally, and financially thriving economies which create the conditions for all  kinds of people to unlock their full potential, power, and purpose.