Sustainable Energy Parks
on Former Surface Mined Land in Appalachia

This solicitation seeks to identify former surface mine lands in Appalachia suitable for redevelopment into Sustainable Energy Park sites that have the potential to put acres of former mine lands into reuse, generate economic growth, add jobs, promote and contribute to the national sustainable and renewable energy resource base, decrease or offset greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration, and reduce sediment and mine drainage due to substantial root system of biofuels.

The Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center (NBAC) is soliciting applications from eligible government entities on behalf of West Virginia communities within close proximity to former surface mined lands to be considered to participate in the development of a Sustainable Energy Park Feasibility Plan. One community will be selected with the project activities occurring between February 10, 2012 and August 31, 2012. (See page 10 for a list of eligible government entities who can apply to this announcement.)

For the purpose of this announcement, the concept of Sustainable Energy Parks (SEPs) constitutes a place with sufficient space, physical characteristics, infrastructure, and stakeholder support to accommodate the production of renewable energy products. SEPs have the potential to generate local economic growth, promote the development of renewable energy technologies, and decrease or offset greenhouse gases through terrestrial carbon sequestration. Former surface mine lands are of particular interest for SEPs due to their large scale acreage, remaining infrastructure (roads, water lines, electricity, etc.), and potential for post-mining land use.

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