Lexington Explores Solar Energy at Capped Landfill

News Summary

Lexington is investigating the possibility of installing solar energy systems on the capped Haley Pike landfill to advance its renewable energy goals. This initiative aligns with the city’s objective of preserving agricultural land while striving for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Mayor Linda Gorton supports this proposal, viewing it as a balanced approach to urban development and agricultural sustainability. The project reflects broader trends in sustainable energy efforts across the U.S., with Lexington looking to adopt proven models for community solar programs.

Lexington is exploring innovative opportunities to lead in solar energy production, specifically by assessing the feasibility of installing solar energy systems on the capped Haley Pike landfill. This move aims to preserve valuable agricultural land while advancing the city’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan.

The Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government (LFUCG) is taking steps to study the potential of using the landfill for renewable energy generation, which could serve as a model for other municipalities in Kentucky. The capped landfill presents a unique opportunity as it is unsuitable for farmland and residential use, thus allowing for a renewable energy project without competing for arable land.

Lexington-Fayette County is home to 682 farms and ranks as the second leading county in annual agricultural sales in Kentucky, which creates a delicate balance between urban development and agricultural sustainability. The agricultural sector presents a multi-billion dollar economic impact in the region, emphasizing the need to protect prime farmland from being converted into solar farms. In light of this, Mayor Linda Gorton has expressed support for exploring solar installations on the Haley Pike landfill, which provides an alternative energy solution without jeopardizing local farmland.

The push for solar energy aligns with broader efforts seen throughout the United States, where cities are increasingly seeking to incorporate sustainable energy solutions into their urban planning. Different policies, such as those in New Jersey, highlight community solar programs that foster equitable access to solar energy, particularly benefitting low-income families. Lexington is actively seeking to learn from these successful models to enhance its renewable energy programs.

In addition to the landfill proposal, local businesses like Hallway Feeds in Lexington have implemented solar arrays, serving as a scalable model for others in the community. These installations are encouraged to be placed on non-agricultural lands such as parking garages, industrial parks, and parking lots, enabling more power generation without compromising key agricultural areas.

The interest in solar energy is further emphasized by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), which has developed solar farms capable of generating energy for thousands of homes, including proposed projects in Marion and Fayette Counties. Although some stakeholders, including the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, have voiced concerns about the potential impact of solar farms on agricultural land and the local economy, EKPC argues that solar panels have minimal environmental impact and can be removed with land restoration capabilities for agricultural use.

To bolster its commitment to renewable energy, the city is pursuing SolSmart accreditation, which aims to enhance solar energy initiatives and assess progress in economic development. Solar energy projects form part of the city’s Empower Lexington plan, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable and resilient growth. Additionally, the ongoing Solarize Lexington program continues to assist homeowners and businesses in installing solar panels to lower electricity costs in the community.

The successful implementation of solar equipment on government buildings represents a continued commitment to increasing the share of renewable energy in Lexington. As discussions progress on the potential solar project at the Haley Pike landfill, the city continues to prioritize approaches that safeguard farming interests while pursuing substantial energy goals.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Investigation Intensifies Over Biden’s Clean Energy Grant Program
Lexington Mayor Raises Concerns Over Solar Farm Project
Lexington-Fayette County Advances Urban Planning Initiatives
Lexington Mayor Gorton Presents Future Goals in State of the City
Kentucky General Assembly Begins 2025 Legislative Session
Solar Power Projects Get Approval in Kentucky

Additional Resources

• Spectrum News: Solar Farm Project Pushback
• LEX18: Potential for Solar Energy Use in Lexington
• Kentucky.com: Op-Ed on Solar Energy
• Wikipedia: How Solar Power Works
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy