Solar Farm

RC CAPE MAY PRESS RELEASE:

Upper Twp., July 1, 2009….RC Cape May, the company that owns and operates the BL England electric generating station at Beesleys Point, is considering joining the Green Revolution by building a solar power project at the plant site. The project under consideration would be powered by an array of photovoltaic cells capable of generating four megawatts of electricity, which would be one of the largest in New Jersey.

“Based on a preliminary assessment of the site’s potential for solar we think a 26-acre facility could be implemented there at a construction cost of about $20 million,” Bob Keyser, BL England Plant Manager, told an audience of neighbors who live near the plant.

A 4-megawatt solar electric project would be able to generate enough electricity for about 4,000 homes. The power generated by the project would be sold to a retail power provider servingthe South Jersey region and would help the state meet the goals of its Energy Master Plan, which sets ambitious targets for the role of renewable energy over the next 20 years.

“The BL England plant has been a regional asset for more than 45 years, supplying electric power and significant economic benefits,” said Keyser. “Now that it looks like a solar project of this kind would be feasible, along with a small park with walking trails and environmental education material, we want to work with our key stakeholders in Upper Township and South Jersey to plan how to implement it in a way that best serves everyone’s interests. A project like this can provide significant environmental and educational benefits, and we want to explore those opportunities with the people who will
be affected by them.”

The “solar farm” would be buffered by trees and other vegetation to screen it from neighbors and passers-by traveling on Route 9. In addition, RC Cape May is planning to develop a small parkand walking trailson itsproperty to add to its aesthetics while also providing opportunities for nature walks, environmental education, wildlife conservation and even eco-tourism. The company has engaged a professional landscape architect to develop a conceptual design plan for this companion project as a starting point for discussion with key stakeholders such as Upper Township, neighbors, community leaders, and educators.