“So, this is the next step in what’s been a 10+ year process to see if we can get solar power installed at the Butterworth Landfill.”
That’s Assistant City Manager Doug Matthews speaking with Grand Rapids’ Fiscal Committee.
“So, at this point, we’re looking at a power purchase agreement. Under a power purchase agreement, the developer owns and operates the facility and we pay for the power that’s generated.”
Ohio-based Enerlogics Network, Inc. will construct the two-megawatt solar array on the former Butterworth Landfill site. The generated electricity will power 18,000 streetlights, traffic signals, and 100 facilities.
“We feel like this is an opportunity to leverage that site, generate power locally, and fulfill one of the things that we have on our climate action plan.”
Which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2030 and reaching 100% by 2040.
Construction will begin by July 4th securing federal tax credits before they expire. The project is expected to take 12-18 months.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
