Maryland denies enviro permit to 32.5-MW solar project

Miami-based solar company Origis Energy USA has been denied a wetlands and waterways permit for a 32.5-MW solar project in Maryland, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) said on Wednesday.

This decision is based on the developer’s failure to demonstrate “a serious effort” to avoid or minimise the potential effects of the photovoltaic (PV) power plant on water quality. MDE added it considers that the economic and social benefits of the proposed project will not justify any decrease in water quality.

The Shugart Valley scheme envisages the installation of a 105,000-module solar park in La Plata, Charles County. The developer originally aimed to bring the power plant online this summer and supply electricity for 49% of the Georgetown University‘s Washington DC campus electricity load. The project was approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2018.

Origis Energy faced another blow this week after MDE said its 27.5-MW Ripley Road solar project does not satisfy water quality-related conditions in the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the PSC.

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