Shawnee Project Phoenix is a first-of-its-kind solar generation project on a closed coal ash site at the Shawnee Fossil Plant in Paducah, Kentucky. This 100 MW solar generation pilot project is an innovative approach to repurposing a closed coal ash site for solar generation, which is helping TVA to build a sustainable energy future, meet carbon reduction goals, and preserve farmland and greenfield space.

Phase 1 of this project consisted of closing over 5.49 acres using ClosureTurf®. 6,786 solar panels were directly attached to the ClosureTurf, using the PowerCap™ system to maintain the integrity of the closed site with no penetrations for an output of 5.67 MW. Future phases of this project are currently in progress and under construction.

Through Project Phoenix, Watershed Geo is helping TVA meet their goal of being 80% carbon-free by 2035. The project also benefits the surrounding community by repurposing the existing infrastructure for green energy generation and eliminating the need to use surrounding farmland or greenfields for solar generation. PowerCap is able to produce energy on the steep slopes of a closed coal ash site, turning this previously unusable land into an asset. This is an innovative project that is reshaping the industry possibilities for closed impoundments.

“TVA has shown great leadership in executing on innovative solutions to dramatically improve how renewable energy is developed. It’s a green approach to green energy. We are honored to be a part of the of the innovative industry shift of applying beneficial reuse to what is typically unusable land,” said Mike Ayers, CEO of Watershed Geo.  “We believe TVA will lead the way in establishing a future best management practice for the global environment and local communities.”