NJR Clean Energy Ventures celebrates 1st community solar project in New Jersey

NJR Clean Energy Ventures, the renewable energy subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, and AC Power, a woman-owned brownfield solar developer, are making clean energy more accessible to customers with the recent dedication of a new community solar project in Old Bridge.

Community solar projects provide the benefits of clean energy to homeowners, renters and businesses who may otherwise be unable to install or access it.

Consisting of 5,746 solar panels, the 2.8-megawatt array will provide renewable energy and reduced electricity costs to approximately 460 homes in Middlesex and Monmouth counties, with 51% of the generation supporting low- and middle-income residents.

CEV will lease approximately 8 acres of the underutilized space for the array for 35 years.

The Old Bridge project was accepted as part of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ highly competitive Community Solar Pilot Program and supports that state’s climate goals.

The clean power generated is equivalent to reducing over 2,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is equal to removing more than 580 gasoline-powered vehicles from New Jersey’s roadways annually.

“Our Old Bridge community solar project is another example of Clean Energy Ventures’ commitment to deliver renewable energy to customers, helping drive New Jersey towards its clean energy goals,” Robert Pohlman, vice president of NJR Clean Energy Ventures, said. “By turning this brownfield into a source of clean electricity, we are making the benefits of solar power more accessible for those who may otherwise not be able to benefit from an onsite array.”

“AC Power’s mission is to reenergize communities with solar, one brownfield at a time,” Annika Colston, founder and CEO of AC Power, which developed the project, said. “We live in a critical time, where environmental stewardship and community ties are vital. We are proud to work with companies like CEV to transform underutilized space into clean energy.”

“Through our collaborative efforts, we were able to revitalize a decades-old former landfill and turn it into a beacon of sustainability and clean energy,” Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry said. “Not only does this project symbolize our community’s commitment to green energy, but it also promises tangible benefits for our residents, including job creation and energy savings. I am excited for the brighter, greener future we are building together for Old Bridge Township.”

The Global Landfill served the community of Old Bridge from 1968 until 1984, when it closed due to a slope failure on the site’s perimeter. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ordered operations to cease, and the landfill has been inactive ever since. In 1989, the site was placed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities List of Superfund sites. After extensive environmental cleanup and monitoring over the past 30 years, remedial action at the landfill was successfully completed, paving the way for the Old Bridge community solar array.

The Old Bridge community solar project was developed and permitted by AC Power, a leading solar development company with experience turning brownfields into clean energy assts. CEV acquired the project from AC Power in March and retained CS Energy to build the facility. The project was placed into service in November.