FirstEnergy Begins Construction of Second Solar Site in West Virginia

WEST VIRGINIA News (3/19/2024) – FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison have commenced the construction of their second utility-grade solar site in West Virginia, marking a significant step towards enhancing the state’s renewable energy portfolio and bolstering economic development.

The Rivesville solar site, situated in Marion County along Morgan Ridge Road spanning approximately 27 acres, is set to become a pivotal contributor to West Virginia’s renewable energy grid. Once operational, the solar panels at this location are expected to generate up to 5.5 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable power. This substantial output is estimated to be adequate to power approximately 173 homes per MW, as outlined by the Solar Energy Industries Association. Importantly, the site represents a strategic repurposing of a brownfield area that had remained dormant since the deactivation of the Rivesville Power Station in 2012.

Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy’s West Virginia Operations, expressed pride in the transformative endeavor, stating, “We are proud to be transforming a former coal ash disposal site into a source of clean renewable energy for our customers.” He further emphasized the potential of such initiatives to stimulate economic growth, particularly as an increasing number of companies seek to fulfill their energy needs through renewable sources.

The Rivesville solar site marks the second installment in a series of five planned solar sites across West Virginia by Mon Power and Potomac Edison. Preceding this project, the companies successfully inaugurated their inaugural solar site at the Fort Martin Power Station in January 2024, capable of producing up to 18.9 MW of solar energy per hour.

Construction of the Rivesville site, much like its predecessor at Fort Martin, is being undertaken by local union workers. Recent efforts have focused on site preparation, including tree removal, road construction, and fence installation, in anticipation of forthcoming electrical and mechanical work. Notably, all equipment utilized in the construction, including solar panels, racking systems, and electrical components, is domestically sourced.

The overarching objective of Mon Power and Potomac Edison’s solar initiative is to collectively generate 50 megawatts of renewable energy across their five designated sites. Construction milestones for the Rivesville site and an additional site in Berkeley County (5.7 MW) are slated for completion by the conclusion of 2024. Pending customer subscription to the energy produced, the companies intend to seek final approval from the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for the construction of the remaining two solar sites in Davis, Tucker County (11.5 MW), and Weirton, Hancock County (8.4 MW).

Mon Power and Potomac Edison serve a combined customer base of over 680,000 across West Virginia and Maryland, respectively.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors.

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