CAPE CHARLES, Va. – Gov. McAuliffe announced Wednesday that a utility-scale solar facility could be built in Northampton County.
Hecate Energy, LLC has received a permit for the facility that could provide enough energy to power over 3,000 households throughout the region.
It is a 20-megawatt “Cherrydale Project” that would include a 185-acre facility.
The solar project will utilize an innovative tracking system that maximizes energy output with the efficient use of available sunlight.
It will also interconnect with the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative and A&N Electric Cooperative system.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality “permit rule” that was issued, contains provisions to ensure the environment is protected at the Cape Charles site.
Preston Schultz of Hecate Energy LLC, assured residents that the facility will abide by the permit rules.
“In my opinion, the Commonwealth of Virginia Permit by Rule process strikes the right balance between protecting critical local environmental, cultural and historical resources while at the same time providing opportunities for the new clean energy economy to take root and flourish in the Old Dominion.”
