The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have partnered to evaluate the feasibility of developing renewable energy production on Superfund, brownfields and former landfill or mining sites.
The 12 sites are located in California, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Superfund sites are the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified by the EPA for cleanup due to the risk they pose to human health or the environment. Brownfields are properties at which expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence of contaminants.Â
The EPA and NREL will analyze the potential development of wind, solar, or small hydro development at 12 sites. The analysis will include determining the best renewable energy technology for the site, the optimal location for placement of the renewable energy technology on the site, potential energy-generating capacity, the return on the investment and the economic feasibility of the renewable energy projects.
For fact sheets on each location and more information on the RE-Powering America's Land initiative, click here.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory