CS Energy
CS Energy announced that it has begun construction on a 10-MW landfill community solar project located in Berkeley, New Jersey. This project consists of two 5-MW solar energy systems and involved simultaneously closing a landfill and building a community solar system atop it. Once finished, CS Energy will have completed a total of 231 MW of landfill solar projects in the United States.
The project will also provide more affordable, locally produced clean energy to 1,800 homes, 51% of which will be low-and-moderate-income (LMI) households. Part of New Jersey’s Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, which is now being established as a permanent, long-term initiative, this project also contributes significantly to the state’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with CS Energy and Luminace to close this landfill at no cost to our taxpayers and residents, while also offering more affordable and cleaner sources of energy to our community,” said Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato. “My administration and the Council have set robust goals for resiliency and green initiatives and are pleased to have this outside the box, strategic method for generating revenue for the township on township-owned land.”
After landfill operations ceased in 1982, the Berkeley Township Landfill remained uncapped due to lack of funds. CS Energy and Berkeley Township entered a public-private partnership to close the landfill in 2020 and CS Energy spent nearly two years completing all relevant studies and permitting work required to make the project a reality.
“The effective pursuit of the State’s twin climate and clean energy goals requires creativity, partnership and commitment… this landfill solar redevelopment project, which transforms a longstanding environmental liability into an asset that delivers significant and direct benefits to its host community, continues to demonstrate we — together — can achieve environmental and economic success while advancing our critical mission,” said Sean Moriarty, Deputy Commissioner.
News item from CS Energy
