Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  April 22, 2021

Baltimore County Landfills to Generate Solar Energy

When two closed Baltimore County landfill sites are covered with solar arrays, the sun will generate 30 MW of power, one-third of the energy used by the County's municipal and government facilities. These solar parks will help the County meet its sustainability goals, save money on electricity, and power government buildings.

The closed Hernwood and Parkton landfills are the first large-scale solar energy projects in Baltimore County. Under power purchase agreements (PPAs), the County pays $0 upfront with SunPower and its financiers covering the cost of the arrays. Over the next 25 years, the County will pay a flat, fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the solar generation and is expected to save millions of dollars in electricity costs. According to a statement, through Maryland's "aggregate net metering" rule, Baltimore Gas & Electric will credit the solar power generated at the landfills against electric loads at other County buildings. Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and full operation in 2023.

"We're proud to be taking a bold step forward to ensure Baltimore County remains a statewide leader in renewable energy and helps build a greener and cleaner future for our communities," said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. "Climate change poses one of the most significant threats to our long-term health and prosperity. That is why we are thankful for this partnership with SunPower to transform these sites into productive alternative energy sources, further reducing Baltimore County's carbon footprint and helping us meet our renewable energy goals."

County Executive Olszewski also signed an Executive Order this week, setting an aggressive new goal to complete future renewable energy projects that will generate electricity equivalent to 100% of Baltimore County's electricity demand by 2026 and 125% by 2030.

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