Ameresco and Luminace Complete Coventry Landfill Solar Project
Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading provider of energy infrastructure solutions, and Luminace, one of North America’s largest decarbonization-as-a-service providers, have jointly announced the successful completion of the Coventry Landfill Solar project. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the Town of Coventry’s renewable energy initiatives and reflects a strong commitment to sustainable development and long-term environmental stewardship.
The project transforms a previously underutilized landfill into a productive, clean-energy infrastructure that benefits both the environment and the local community. By repurposing land that had limited redevelopment alternatives, the Coventry Landfill Solar project highlights how strategic renewable energy development can maximize the potential of spaces often considered unusable.
Project Overview and Capacity
The Coventry Landfill Solar project features a 5.740 MW solar array. It is estimated to generate approximately 7.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output is enough to supply power to more than 1,100 homes, providing a meaningful contribution to the region’s energy needs.
From an environmental perspective, the project is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3,760 tons every year. By converting a capped landfill into a solar facility, the project demonstrates how communities can leverage renewable energy to mitigate climate change while making productive use of land that is otherwise unsuitable for development.
Innovative Use of Land
Developed on a capped landfill designated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the project showcases how careful planning and innovative solutions can unlock the potential of challenging sites. Landfills often pose significant redevelopment constraints due to environmental regulations and safety concerns. By installing solar panels on the capped landfill, Coventry has created a sustainable energy hub while maintaining compliance with environmental safety standards.
This approach not only supports renewable energy generation but also serves as a model for other communities facing similar land-use challenges. It illustrates the broader potential for repurposing underutilized or constrained land to produce meaningful environmental and economic benefits.
Economic Impact for the Town of Coventry
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Coventry Landfill Solar project is expected to deliver substantial economic advantages to the Town of Coventry. The solar array will generate lease revenue for the town, provide tax benefits, and reimburse the town for landfill cap maintenance.
Over the initial lease period, the economic benefit to Coventry is estimated to reach approximately $4.4 million. This revenue stream offers a reliable source of funding that can be reinvested into community services and infrastructure, enhancing the town’s financial resilience while supporting local economic growth.
Moreover, the project contributes to local job creation during both construction and operational phases, further stimulating economic activity within the community. By combining environmental and economic benefits, the Coventry Landfill Solar project provides a holistic model for sustainable development.
Community and Stakeholder Support
Andrew E. Nota, Town Manager of East Greenwich, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s completion, stating, “We are thrilled to see the completion of the Coventry Landfill Solar project. This project not only represents a significant step towards our sustainability goals but also brings considerable economic benefits to our community. We are proud of the work Ameresco has done to make this vision a reality and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our town.”
Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President of Solar and BESS Project Development at Ameresco, added, “The Coventry Landfill Solar project is a testament to our commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions. Developing the Coventry Landfill Solar project showcases the potential of repurposing land for renewable energy and transforming landfills into productive, sustainable sites that enhance energy security and resiliency for communities across the country.”
Luminance Expands Rhode Island Solar Footprint
As the owner of the Coventry Landfill Solar Project, Luminace continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio in Rhode Island and the broader New England region. By developing projects that provide meaningful local benefits, Luminace reinforces its commitment to supporting sustainable energy growth while increasing its operational footprint in key U.S. markets.
Robert Rabe, Chief Development Officer of Luminace, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, stating, “Our growing relationship and associated portfolio with the Ameresco team enables residents and businesses to access clean, renewable solar energy while also increasing our solar asset operating base in the New England market. We have been active in New England for nearly 20 years. This market has been core to our initial growth and remains an important part of our future trajectory. This collaboration with Ameresco further enhances the value of our strategic channel partnership network across key U.S. markets.”
Educational and Local Benefits
The Coventry Landfill Solar project also delivers benefits to local educational institutions and community organizations. Dana Schmaltz, Chair of the St. George’s School Board of Trustees, praised the initiative, saying, “It is fantastic that St. George’s has gone solar to provide roughly 85% of the school’s electricity. At a time of global warming and increasing electricity prices, this project dramatically reduces our carbon footprint while lowering our costs. It’s a true win-win for the school, our community, and our planet.”
Projects like Coventry Landfill Solar not only provide clean energy but also serve as educational opportunities, demonstrating practical renewable energy applications to students and community members. They raise awareness about sustainable energy practices and inspire similar initiatives in surrounding regions.
A Model for Sustainable Communities
With construction now complete, the Coventry Landfill Solar project stands as a powerful example of how communities can transform underutilized land into a reliable source of renewable energy. By combining environmental stewardship with economic development and educational benefits, the project sets a benchmark for sustainable community initiatives.
It highlights the importance of collaboration between municipalities, renewable energy developers, and decarbonization service providers. The partnership between Ameresco, Luminace, and the Town of Coventry demonstrates that strategic renewable energy projects can yield meaningful outcomes for communities, the environment, and the local economy.
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