- CEP Renewables, NJR Clean Energy Ventures, and CS Energy transformed a contaminated brownfield site in New Jersey into a 19 MWdc solar project, generating clean energy and boosting local tax revenue.
- The Foul Rift solar project remediated environmental damage, supported New Jersey’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2050 and created pollinator habitats.
A public-private partnership between CEP Renewables, NJR Clean Energy Ventures, and CS Energy has transformed the 19 MWdc Foul Rift solar project in White Township, Warren County, New Jersey. They built the project on a brownfield site that suffered from environmental damage for nearly 30 years, following the operation of a composting facility with a history of violations.
The site experienced 92 violations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) due to significant pollution, including metals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and arsenic. CEP Renewables led efforts to clean up the site, remove waste materials, and bring the property into compliance with state regulations.
This project achieves a significant milestone by converting an environmentally hazardous area into a clean energy site. It aligns with New Jersey’s broader push to promote solar projects on brownfields and landfills. Chris Ichter, Executive Vice President of CEP Renewables, emphasised the project’s importance: “This public-private partnership will positively impact future generations.”
CEP negotiated a pre-purchase administrative consent order with NJDEP to move the project forward and address the remaining violations. Before the project, the site accumulated millions of dollars in tax liens over three decades. CEP collaborated with White Township to acquire these liens, repay overdue taxes, and foreclose the property. This foreclosure method, previously used in CEP’s Mount Olive project, helped convert the site into a solar farm.
Now, CEP Renewables owns the site, turning it into a productive, revenue-generating asset. The project delivers clean, renewable energy and boosts local tax revenue, providing long-term economic benefits for White Township. The local community gains from both clean energy and improved environmental conditions.
This solar development contributes to New Jersey’s goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2050. The state currently leads the US in installed solar capacity per square mile. Projects like Foul Rift help maintain this top position by converting contaminated sites into renewable energy hubs.
The Foul Rift solar project also establishes pollinator habitats, further restoring the environment. The project sets an example for future brownfield and landfill solar developments through its clean energy generation and ecological benefits.
CEP Renewables’ approach demonstrates the effectiveness of strong policy support for environmentally focused projects. New Jersey addresses environmental damage and energy demands by transforming neglected, contaminated areas into productive sites.
The Foul Rift solar project showcases the success of public-private partnerships in tackling environmental challenges while contributing to the state’s renewable energy targets. It marks a significant step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.