Coalfield Development Announces Solar Installation on Reclaimed Mine Land, Advancing Workforce Development and Sustainability

Huntington, West Virginia – October 9, 2024 – 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 15 kW microagrivoltaic solar array with battery storage, housed on a seven-acre area 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.

For more information, please contact:

Jess Toon

Manager of Strategic Communications

Coalfield Development

(681) 833-5431

Jtoon(at)coalfield-development.org