DANVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It was announced in a press conference this afternoon that Southern WV Community & Technical College will be partnering with SEVA WV to provide training and education in support of the renovation of what was formerly a Hobet mine site into the largest solar field in West Virginia.
The site – located along the Boone and Lincoln county borders – covers 58000 acres, 3000 of which will be dedicated to 250-megawatt solar panel field.
The estimated investment for the park is $320 million, from which 250-300 construction jobs are estimated to emerge, with wages expected to average around $30 per hour.
Devanna Conley, a native of Marion County, will be spearheading the Sun Park project. Conley made note of the substantial opportunities for growth which can stem from such an endeavor, stating, “There is a real opportunity to bring new business, grow the population, develop tourism and teach our children about the importance of renewable energy.”
“Today’s announcement is exciting for the people and the economy of the region,” declared Dr. Pamela L. Alderman, President of Southern WV Community & Technical College. “We are looking forward to partnering with SEVA WV by providing workforce training and other educational support for this endeavor. It is a great day for SEVA WV, Southern [WV Community & Technical College,] and West Virginia.”
Sun Park will be the first phase of a multi-phase project, and notably, will repurpose what formerly was one of the largest mining sites in the state for the production of renewable energy.
