On Friday, April 22, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) Secretary Rebecca Goodman released a new web-based tool that enables users to identify potential solar energy siting opportunities in Kentucky, including on previous mine locations. The project was funded utilizing State Energy Program funding from the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, which is located in the EEC. Developed in response to an increasing number of solar developers supporting corporate sustainability goals, and to support wholesale market clean energy procurement demand, the tool is aimed towards helping developers and land owners assess solar site suitability across Kentucky.
The online tool makes it easy for potential developers to use Geographic Information System (GIS) Site Suitability Analysis to site solar installations on reclaimed minefields. The tool’s user can identify, compare, and rank different locations based on how closely they adhere to the criteria the user selects for site selection. This enables the user to evaluate multiple criteria at once to determine the most suitable site for development. The website also includes information and resources about land reclamation, project criteria, and project team contacts, as well as a video tutorial. For more information on the tool, contact OEP Executive Director Kenya.Stump@ky.gov or visit the website at https://solar-siting-potential-in-kentucky-kygis.hub.arcgis.com/.