Maryland’s Largest Solar Project Launches, On Old Coal Mine - CleanTechnica

Maryland has launched its largest solar power project, the 160-megawatt CPV Backbone Solar facility, located on a reclaimed, decommissioned coal mine in Garrett County. Developed by CPV Renewable Power, part of Competitive Power Ventures, the project features 324,000 solar panels designed to generate enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes. This initiative exemplifies a responsible energy transition by repurposing exhausted coal mine land into productive renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to both environmental restoration and local economic growth through increased tax revenue. The project reflects a broader commitment to renewable energy as a logical and necessary alternative to fossil fuels, with a second phase underway to expand the facility to 175 MW. CPV Backbone Solar is part of a larger 4.8-gigawatt project pipeline, highlighting ongoing investments in clean energy. Local officials have praised the project for revitalizing previously mined land, supporting the region’s natural beauty, and addressing growing electricity demand, marking a significant step forward