Three Key Facts:
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- A $90 million federal grant from the Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Demonstration Program supports the project – The Mineral Basin Solar Project will transform 2,700 acres of former coal mine land in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.
- The project is expected to generate 402 MWac of solar power, enough to power tens of thousands of homes.
- The project will generate $1.1 million in annual tax revenue for local communities and create 750 construction jobs.
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A once-abandoned coal mine is being reborn as a renewable energy powerhouse. Thanks to $90 million in federal funding from the Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Demonstration Program on Current and Former Mine Land, Swift Current Energy’s Mineral Basin Solar Project will transform 2,700 acres of former mining land into the largest solar energy plant in Pennsylvania.
This innovative project will provide a lifeline for communities harmed by economic decline and environmental damage.
The Challenge: Reclaiming Mining Lands for 21st Century Purpose
Clearfield County, like many former coal mining regions, has struggled with the environmental and economic scars left by a fading industry. Abandoned mine lands are often plagued with soil contamination, erosion, and pollutants that seep into water supplies.
These risks contribute to public health issues such as respiratory illnesses and limited opportunities to diversify the economy. On the economic front, the decline of coal has left many communities in the region struggling with high unemployment and underutilized land.
The danger of abandoned mines was tragically highlighted over Thanksgiving weekend when a Westmoreland County woman fell into a sinkhole created by an abandoned mine while looking for her cat.
A Clean Energy Solution with Local Benefits
The Mineral Basin Solar effort offers a solution for Clearfield County. With a capacity of 402 megawatts (MWac), the solar farm will generate enough renewable energy to power tens of thousands of homes. Additionally, it will create over 750 construction jobs and six operations jobs.
The project will also generate $1.1 million in annual tax revenue for local governments and schools. By repurposing mining lands for clean energy, the project provides a replicable model for economic revitalization in former coal communities nationwide.
The Clearfield County Commissioners highlighted the project’s economic potential. “The increased tax revenue from the property on which the Mineral Basin Solar project will be located as well as the dozens of temporary construction jobs created will bring needed dollars to the County. As our County transitions to renewable energy sources, Clearfield County has a chance to be at the forefront of these changes. We are also beginning to become a center for cutting edge technology of energy production, which will only bring more energy related jobs in the future.”
Support for Biden’s Clean Energy Vision
The Mineral Basin Solar Project is part of a broader strategy under President Joe Biden’s clean energy plan, which has allocated over $1.08 billion in clean energy funding to Pennsylvania as of 2024. Nearly 80% of Pennsylvanians support renewable energy expansion, including three out of five of Republicans.
Environmental and Health Benefits
Solar farms like Mineral Basin reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, addressing major public health concerns in coal mining regions. Reclaimed land will be stabilized, preventing erosion and contamination of nearby water supplies. The clean energy produced will help Pennsylvania meet its climate goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.
