[ECO]New Hampshire’s First Solar Superfund Site Breaks Ground

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New Hampshire’s solar superfund site will repurpose contaminated land and produce 3.5 million kWh of electricity in its first year.

Construction has commenced on New Hampshire’s first landfill energy project on a Superfund site. The groundbreaking ceremony for the solar superfund site, held at the former Somersworth Sanitary Landfill, marks a significant step towards enhancing energy sustainability in the region.

The solar superfund site energy installation is projected to generate over 3.5 million kWh in its inaugural year. Over two decades, the

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is expected to surpass 67 million kWh. This is enough energy to cover the electricity consumption of 486 ********* family homes for 20 years. This substantial output translates to a yearly reduction of 2,461 metric tons of CO2 emissions or the annual carbon sequestration ability of almost 3,000 acres of U.S. forests yearly.

Mayor Matt Gerding of Somersworth emphasized the project’s significance: “This solar initiative is a crucial step in bolstering

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in our community, aligning with similar endeavors across our region and state. It exemplifies Somersworth’s commitment to embracing green energy as an integral component of our collective energy portfolio.”

This

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represents an innovative approach to land use, repurposing a city-owned property that previously had limited utility. This public-private partnership between the City of Somersworth and Ameresco showcases the potential for transforming environmentally compromised sites into valuable assets for renewable energy generation.

Superfund sites, designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are contaminated locations requiring long-term response to clean up hazardous material contaminations. These sites often pose significant environmental and health risks, necessitating careful management and remediation. The Somersworth solar superfund site project demonstrates a progressive approach to utilizing these challenging spaces, turning a potential liability into a source of clean energy.

The

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on Superfund sites carries multiple benefits. It generates

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and provides a productive use for land that might otherwise remain dormant due to contamination concerns. This approach can help offset the costs associated with ongoing site maintenance and monitoring while contributing to

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.

Jon Mancini, Senior Vice President of Ameresco, highlighted the project’s innovative nature: “This initiative showcases the potential of repurposing land for renewable energy and enhancing landfills to become more sustainable. We’re excited to begin construction and contribute to the city’s bright clean energy future.”

The energy produced by the solar superfund site will be sold to the City of Somersworth under New Hampshire’s group net metering program. This arrangement allows the city to benefit directly from the clean energy generated on its own property. Additionally, the project will provide financial benefits to the city through a lease agreement and a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

The Somersworth solar superfund site has already secured necessary approvals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES), underscoring the rigorous regulatory process of developing renewable

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on sensitive sites. Construction is slated to begin mid to late August, marking the transition from planning to implementation.

As the ******* States looks for opportunities to manage the dual challenges of land remediation and clean energy transition, projects like the Somersworth landfill solar installation offer a compelling model. Municipalities can address environmental concerns by reimagining the potential of contaminated sites while advancing their sustainability goals.

As the first of its kind in New Hampshire, the Somersworth landfill solar project sets a precedent for future initiatives. It demonstrates how collaborative efforts between local governments, private sector partners, and regulatory agencies can overcome complex challenges to create innovative clean energy solutions.

The success of this project could pave the way for similar installations beyond New Hampshire, potentially transforming numerous Superfund sites from environmental liabilities into valuable contributors to a sustainable energy future. As communities increasingly seek ways to meet ambitious renewable energy targets, repurposing contaminated land for solar energy production represents a promising path forward.

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