Anne Arundel County approves construction of solar facility on landfill site – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Anne Arundel County is setting a goal to cut greenhouse gases by 2030, and one of the first steps toward that goal will be to purchase solar electricity from a facility on the closed Glen Burnie Landfill, Superintendent Steuart County executive Pittman said Tuesday.

Pittman signed Bill 19-22, commissioned renewable energy company Ameresco to build a solar power generation facility on approximately 20 acres of the Glen Burnie Landfill. Over the next 25 years, the county will receive more than $3 million in rent from the company and buy solar energy. County officials estimate the deal will save residents nearly $3.7 million.

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The county executive also issued Executive order 57requires local government operations to be run entirely on renewable energy for eight years.

“This landfill solar project is proof that clean energy is a sound investment,” says Pittman. “With this project, and the renewable energy commitments we are making under the executive order, we are saving taxpayers money and ushering in a greener and cleaner Anne Arundel County for all.” everyone.”

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The ordinance directs the county government to further explore partnerships with private companies to develop brownfield solar facilities, landfills, and other county-owned properties; retrofit buildings to operate more efficiently; and use greener designs for new projects.

“The partnership between Anne Arundel County and Ameresco to develop and implement this combined community solar and net energy metering program will help save energy costs, leveraging land asset use. Unused belts will generate revenue for the County and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. fight climate change,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President of Solar Project Development, Ameresco.

The County Council unanimously passed two bills paving the way for the project on the old landfill, one to approve the lease and the other to approve the power purchase agreement.

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“The landfill solar project and commitments to renewable energy have positioned our county as a local leader in renewable energy policy for many years,” said County Councilmember Lisa Rodvien. next.