Hecate Energy has received approval of the siting agreement and conditional use permit application for the planned 150 MW Cumberland Solar Facility in Virginia.
“This approval helps realize our common goal to bring substantial economic benefits to Cumberland County and build energy independence for Virginia,” said Preston Schultz, Cumberland Solar Facility’s lead project developer. “We appreciate the leadership and support demonstrated by the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors in advancing this project.”
The vote on March 12 by the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors authorized Hecate Energy to bring this approximately $200 million private infrastructure investment to the county. The facility will contribute $14 million in direct payments to Cumberland County and millions more in indirect economic impact to the region. It will be built on nearly 1,000 acres in the Cartersville community in Northern Cumberland County.
“Cumberland Solar Facility underscores Central Virginia’s commitment to sustainable development,” Schultz said. “This project is set to create local jobs and provide vital financial support to essential community services, including firefighting, emergency medical response, and educational programs.”
The project is expected to create 150 local jobs and contribute $25 million in direct onsite wages during construction. Hecate Energy anticipates breaking ground on the solar farm in 2028 and commercial operation starting in 2030.
The 150 MW solar farm will be capable of supplying over 300,000 MWh of renewable electricity per year – enough to power over 37,500 average Virginia households.
Hecate Energy anticipates that Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality will issue a permit for the project in 2024 or early 2025.
