Berkeley Township, New Jersey, has found a brilliant solution for turning a closed landfill into a source of clean energy and economic benefit. CS Energy and Luminace have partnered to develop two 5 MW community solar projects, the first of their kind to simultaneously close a landfill and build a solar power plant on top of it.
These projects are a testament to the innovative spirit of both companies and the community they serve. Not only does the project provide cleaner, more affordable energy to 1,800 homes, over half of which are low-to-moderate income, but it also brings economic prosperity to the area. The township saved taxpayer money by using this innovative method to close the landfill, and the projects are expected to save participants around $6.4 million over their lifetime.
“We are thrilled to have joined forces with CS Energy and Luminace to close this landfill at no cost to our taxpayers and residents while also offering more affordable and cleaner sources of energy to our community,” said New Jersey State Senator and former Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato. “My administration and the Council have set robust goals for resiliency and green initiatives and are pleased to have this outside the box, strategic method for generating revenue for the township on township-owned land.”
Mayor John Bacchione echoed the sentiment, highlighting the project’s multi-faceted benefits, saying, “These projects achieve many goals in Berkeley Township, which include the final capping of our long-closed landfill, providing green energy to our residents at a discounted rate, and improving the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. I would like to thank New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities, Department of Environmental Protection, and Pinelands Commission, as well as Eagles Solar I and II for the opportunity to move forward with these clean energy projects.”
The Berkeley Township Landfill remained uncapped for decades due to funding constraints. However, in 2020, CS Energy and Berkeley Township partnered to tackle this challenge. CS Energy spent nearly two years meticulously completing all the necessary studies and obtaining the required permits to close the landfill and build the solar power system.
Brendon Quinlivan, CEO of Luminace, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Given CS Energy’s market-leading experience as a developer and EPC contractor on landfill solar projects, coupled with their community solar experience and significant footprint in the Northeast, we are proud to collaborate with CS Energy once again as they successfully develop these landmark projects.” He also highlighted the companies’ longstanding partnership and shared commitment to bringing clean energy solutions to communities.
The projects align with New Jersey’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035, contributing to the state’s Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, which has been made permanent. This achievement adds to CS Energy’s growing portfolio of solar projects in the state, now exceeding 310 MW.
John Ervin, VP of Development at CS Energy, expressed the company’s pride in this innovative project, saying, “We’re excited to be working alongside Luminace on another innovative and impactful project in New Jersey. Our extensive experience in the region, and on landfill solar projects in particular, enabled our team to successfully lead the development, design and construction of this complex project while working closely with regulators and project stakeholders. In addition to closing this landfill and providing additional revenue for the city, these projects also provide a high-quality solar power plant, cleaner air, and significant energy savings to local residents long-term.”
This innovative project in Berkeley Township serves as a shining example of how environmental responsibility and economic prosperity can go hand-in-hand, offering a blueprint for other communities looking to achieve similar successes.
