Coal Mines, Landfills, & The Persistence Of Solar Power

The transition from coal mining sites to solar power generation is gaining momentum in the United States, signalling a significant shift in land use and energy production. Derelict surface coal mines, long considered environmental liabilities, are being recognised for their potential to host large-scale solar power plants. According to data from Global Energy Monitor (GEM), there are currently over 300 surface coal mines worldwide that could support approximately 103 gigawatts of solar capacity, with an additional 185 gigawatts possible from mines expected to close within the next five years. While China leads the charge with numerous coal-to-solar projects underway, the US and other major coal producers like Australia, Indonesia, and India have yet to fully capitalise on this opportunity. In the US, the coal-to-solar movement faces political and infrastructural challenges, particularly in states where coal remains a politically sensitive industry. West Virginia exemplifies this tension, as a deeply Republican state with a historically low solar capacity ranking despite its abundance of former coal mining sites. However, recent developments indicate a gradual shift in attitude, driven by economic incentives and emerging industries such as solar grazing. Notably, a 100-megawatt solar power plant and battery storage system approved in 2024 for a former strip mine in Mineral County, West Virginia, marks a breakthrough, with no public opposition recorded and strong support from the state’s Public Service Commission. The involvement of major renewable energy developers and investors is accelerating the coal-to-solar transition. Energix Renewables, the US branch of a global firm, is spearheading projects on former coal strip mines, including acquiring a 120-megawatt solar farm in Ohio. This project, like others, utilises previously industrial land, aligning with broader efforts to repurpose polluted or underutilised sites. CleanCapital, a key player in this space, has expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of BQ Energy, a specialist in converting landfills and brownfields into renewable energy sites. CleanCapital’s pipeline includes over 1,000 megawatts of solar projects, underscoring the growing financial commitment to transforming industrial wastelands into clean energy hubs. The financial dynamics underpinning these developments highlight a strong investment appetite for coal-to-solar conversions despite federal policy uncertainties. CleanCapital’s $300 million funding commitment, supported by major investment firms, reflects confidence in the long-term viability of these projects. This influx of capital not only advances the energy transition but also delivers environmental and community benefits by rehabilitating degraded lands. As more states and private entities embrace these initiatives, the US could play a pivotal role in the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, leveraging its vast coal mining legacy to power a cleaner future.