JCP&L Connects Solar Project in Mount Olive to Electric Grid

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has successfully connected a 19.8-megawatt solar project at a former landfill in Mount Olive, New Jersey, to the grid. This project, the largest landfill solar initiative in North America, is now delivering clean energy via FirstEnergy's transmission lines. The connection involved building a grid point and upgrading an existing 34.5-kilovolt line. FirstEnergy’s subsidiary, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), is committed to supporting renewable energy and is also tasked with connecting New Jersey's offshore wind energy to the grid. The company has invested over $10 billion in its Energizing the Future initiative since 2014.

Positive

• Successfully connected the largest landfill solar project in North America.
• Delivers clean energy, supporting renewable energy initiatives.
• Over $10 billion invested in Energizing the Future initiative to enhance grid reliability.

Negative

• None.

Largest landfill solar project in North America now delivering clean energy

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed a grid connection for a 19.8-megawatt solar project located at a former landfill property in Mount Olive, New Jersey, that is now delivering clean energy through FirstEnergy's transmission lines.

For the past year, JCP&L has worked with the project's developer to construct a grid connection point with an existing 34.5-kilovolt transmission line and to make associated line and system upgrades to support the project. In late January, the project – the largest landfill solar project in North America – was successfully connected and began delivering energy to the grid. The Mount Olive site is owned by CEP Renewables and is being leased to NJR Clean Energy Ventures, which will own and operate the facility long term.

"FirstEnergy and JCP&L are committed to supporting the global energy transition to renewable resources, and we are pleased to have worked with CEP Renewables to connect this innovative solar project to the grid and enable the delivery of clean energy to local communities," said Jim Fakult, president of New Jersey operations for FirstEnergy.

CEP Renewables designs, develops and builds utility-scale solar projects. The company currently has 16 landfill or brownfield solar projects under development and has completed over 100 megawatts of solar projects in New Jersey in support of the state's New Jersey Energy Master Plan.

In November, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) awarded JCP&L the construction responsibility to connect clean energy generated by New Jersey's offshore wind farms to the power grid.

FirstEnergy continues to make investments that support clean energy and improve grid reliability and resiliency. Through its multi-year Energizing the Future initiative, the company is upgrading its transmission system with advanced equipment and technologies that will reinforce the power grid and help reduce the frequency and duration of customer outages. Since 2014, FirstEnergy has upgraded or replaced existing power lines, incorporated smart technology into the grid and upgraded dozens of substations with new equipment and enhanced security features. Through 2022, FirstEnergy has invested more than $10 billion in the Energizing the Future initiative.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the significance of the solar project connected by FirstEnergy (FE) in New Jersey?

The project is the largest landfill solar initiative in North America and supports the delivery of clean energy.

How much has FirstEnergy invested in its Energizing the Future initiative?

FirstEnergy has invested over $10 billion since 2014 in its Energizing the Future initiative.

What type of energy does the Mount Olive solar project deliver?

The Mount Olive solar project delivers clean energy through FirstEnergy's transmission lines.

What role does JCP&L play in the solar project connected by FirstEnergy (FE)?

JCP&L completed the grid connection for the solar project and is committed to supporting renewable energy.

What other renewable energy projects is FirstEnergy (FE) involved with in New Jersey?

FirstEnergy has been awarded the responsibility to connect clean energy from New Jersey's offshore wind farms to the power grid.