MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — A solar energy project has been completed in Middletown at the site of a former landfill.
Leaders from the city and clean energy stakeholders gathered on Tuesday at the Johnson Street location to celebrate the accomplishment.
The 809 kW DC solar energy system was created by Verogy, a solar developer in West Hartford, and will generate over 1 million kWh of clean energy each year. That’s enough to power around 105 homes annually.
“Where some see an unused space, we see potential,” Verogy CEO Will Herchel said in a release. “Our work with the City of Middletown has turned this former landfill into a productive asset that generates clean energy, reduces carbon emissions and demonstrates the power of innovative thinking in sustainability.”
Herchel said Verogy is proud to help Middletown lead the way in transforming underutilized land into a resource that supports local economies while strengthening the city’s commitment to sustainability.
The project is located on a 2.5-acre capped landfill. Verogy said it represents a powerful transformation of previously underutilized land into a productive, sustainable energy resource for the community.
According to the company, every year, the project will offset around 712 metric tons of carbon emissions. That is equal to the greenhouse gases from 88,000 gallons of gasoline.
For the city, the project connects with its commitment to minimalizing environmental impacts and producing clean, renewable energy. It should also save residents tax money.
Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim reveled in the achievement. He said that the solar installation marks an important step in the city’s ongoing commitment to the environment and its residents.
“We know our community values sustainability, and this project exemplifies how we can meet those priorities in practical ways,” Florsheim said. “Not only are we reducing our carbon footprint, but we’re also lowering energy costs – creating a cleaner, greener and more economically sustainable future for Middletown.”
State and local leaders were present at the site to join in the celebration and recognize Middletown’s ongoing contributions to Connecticut’s clean energy landscape.
Verogy said the project demonstrates how innovative strategies can turn former environmental challenges into victories for sustainability and communities.
----
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
