Baltimore County’s Landfill Solar Farm Cuts Energy Costs

Baltimore County has officially launched its largest solar energy initiative. The project transforms a closed 213-acre landfill into a clean power source. This effort is a cornerstone of the county’s long-term sustainability strategy.

County Executive Kathy Klausmeier championed the project’s dual benefits. She stated it turns a former environmental challenge into a community asset. The initiative is projected to cut electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions significantly.

Significant Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits Achieved

The new solar array is a seven-megawatt system. It uses over 15,000 ballasted panels installed directly on the landfill cap. In its first year, it is expected to generate over 8.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

This output will cover about 11 percent of the County government’s total annual electricity use. The financial model is a 25-year Power-Purchase Agreement with TotalEnergies. This locks in a low, stable electricity rate for the county, protecting taxpayers from volatile energy prices.

The environmental impact is substantial. According to the EPA‘s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, the project’s emissions reduction is significant. It is equivalent to taking over 1,000 gas-powered homes off the grid for a year.

Brownfield Repurposing Sets a National Precedent

This project showcases a growing trend of repurposing underutilized land. Greg Strella, the county’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the community value of this smart investment. He noted it supports both fiscal health and environmental well-being for residents.

Eric Potts of TotalEnergies confirmed the project’s model success. He stated it demonstrates how underused assets can be transformed to meet sustainability targets. The collaboration proves that economic and environmental goals can align effectively.

The county is not stopping here. A second major solar project at the Hernwood Landfill is planned for completion by 2028. Combined, these initiatives are projected to power over half of the county government’s electricity needs with clean energy.

This Baltimore County solar project is a definitive step toward a greener, more fiscally responsible future. It proves that innovative thinking can turn liabilities into community-wide assets. The success at Parkton paves the way for more renewable energy conversions across the region.

Info at your fingertips

What is the capacity of the Parkton Landfill solar project?

The solar array is a seven-megawatt system. It uses more than 15,000 individual solar panels. It will generate over eight million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

How much will the county save on electricity?

The county secured a fixed rate of 14 cents per kilowatt-hour for 25 years. This protects against future price increases in the energy market. The deal is expected to yield substantial long-term savings for taxpayers.

What are the environmental benefits of this project?

The project will drastically cut carbon emissions. Its impact is equal to removing over 1,000 homes from the grid or eliminating 14 million miles driven by cars. This is a major step for the county’s climate goals.

Why was a landfill chosen for this project?

Closed landfills are often unsuitable for other development. Using this “brownfield” land for solar is an efficient repurposing. It turns a dormant site into a productive asset for the community.

Are there more solar projects planned for Baltimore County?

Yes, a second project at the Hernwood Landfill is anticipated by 2028. Together, these two sites are expected to power 55% of county government operations. This shows a strong commitment to renewable energy expansion.