Construction recently began on Enbridge’s $6.5 million Heidlersburg Solar Project in Tyrone Township in Blair County.
The project, which is expected to begin functioning during the second quarter of 2021, will power Enbridge’s natural-gas pipeline operations.
The solar facility will produce 2.5 megawatts of solar energy for Texas Eastern Transmission’s Heidlersburg Compressor Station. The power generated will be used to power the compressor units, ensuring the flow of natural gas through the pipelines.
Over the facility’s 25-year life, it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 73,200 metric tons.
“As a project that will help to lower emissions and contribute to a more environmentally-sustainable future, we applaud the natural gas-renewables partnership in the Heidlersburg Solar Self-Power Project,” Mike Butler, Consumer Energy Alliance Mid-Atlantic director, said.
“Renewable energy projects like this one must be part of the long-term answer to solve our energy and environment equation, and natural gas is critical to ensuring that we are able to arrive at a sustainable energy future while meeting demand without increasing energy costs for families and small businesses.”
Pennsylvania is the third-largest net supplier of energy to other states. In addition, approximately half of the state’s households use natural gas as their primary heating fuel.