Clean Energy Investments Are Revitalizing Pennsylvania Communities
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Since the passage of the clean energy plan, Pennsylvania has seen 14 new clean energy projects invest $1.08 billion and create 2,881 jobs across the state. Not only are these companies creating new good-paying and unionized jobs, but some have invested in workforce training and skills development programs – building Pennsylvania’s workforce of the future.
New Clean Energy Projects Are Revitalizing Pennsylvania Communities
Northwest
Swift Current Energy
Swift Current Energy built the Mineral Basin Solar Project in Girard Township. Since the project is located on former mine land, Swift Energy received a $90 million grant under the Clean Energy Demonstration Program on Current and Former Mine Land. The solar project repurposes former mine land and will generate enough electricity to power more than 70,000 homes. The project generated more than $1.1 million in local tax revenue per year. Swift Current has also invested nearly $20 million in economic development to upskill and reskill workers in the region.
Northeast
Volvo
In July 2024, Volvo received a $208 million grant – funded by the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy plan – from the Department of Energy to fast-track production of the company’s heavy-duty electric trucks. The investment would be split across two manufacturing facilities in Macungie, Pennsylvania – where it produces Mack trucks – and Dublin, Virginia. The investment, which would be matched by Volvo, was projected to create 295 union jobs.
Southwest
Exus Renewables
Coal mining was once a top industry in Meyersdale. Now, Meyersdale is being revitalized by the wind power industry. Exus Renewables invested $200 million to upgrade the nacelles and blades on the Twin Ridges Wind Farm’s existing towers, creating 150 union construction jobs and eight permanent service and maintenance jobs. Exus indicated the project would directly invest $7.5 million into the local economy through procurement from local suppliers and provide $100 million to the community through taxes and land payments.
Southcentral
Voith Hydro
As manufacturing continues to grow steadily, Voith Hydro announced it would expand its York factory, where it manufactures machine components for hydropower facilities. The project supported the retention of 100 skilled and apprentice workers from the IAMAW union workforce and created several additional positions for the operation and maintenance of the new equipment. The project construction draws from local construction firms and other small and local businesses for construction services and materials.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is transitioning to clean energy manufacturing at its York facility. In July 2024, Harley-Davidson received a $89 million grant—funded by the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy plan—to convert its York manufacturing facility to produce electric motorcycles. The grant allowed the company to retain over 1,300 union jobs at the facility and add over 125 new union positions.