Biden’s Clean Energy Plan to Fund Pennsylvania’s Largest Solar Project

Washington, D.C.  — The Department of Energy announced funding for a new 402-megawatt solar project in Pennsylvania on Thursday. The project selectee, Mineral Basin Solar Power (a subsidiary of Swift Current Energy), is one of five renewable energy companies selected for award negotiation as part of efforts to expand clean energy on current and former mine land. The project will repurpose almost 2,700 acres of former coal mine land in Clearfield County, making it Pennsylvania’s largest solar project to date. 

“Mineral Basin will create jobs and a healthier environment, while revitalizing a former coal community’s leadership in energy production,” said Climate Power Interim States Managing Director Andre Crombie. “This project provides a model for a just transition to clean energy in Pennsylvania, and it would not be possible without the Clean Energy Plan.” 

Pennsylvania has received $875.1 million in investment for climate and clean energy projects from the Clean Energy Plan since 2022, $93.6 million of which are in rural communities. The Mineral Basin project will create hundreds more clean energy jobs, and address an electricity-generation gap left by the closure of the Homer City coal plant. 

The Department of Energy projects that this new site will provide $1.1 million in annual tax revenue for local townships and the Clearfield County School District and will create 750 construction jobs. The project is also anticipated to generate enough energy to power over 70,000 homes. 

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