Apache Powder Renewable Energy Assessment
EPA Region 9 and Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc. (ANP)
Saint David, Arizona
Situation:
Through efforts such as the Superfund Redevelopment Initiative and the Repowering America’s Lands Initiative, EPA is providing resources to encourage renewable energy generation at former Superfund sites. EPA Region 9 identified the Apache Powder Superfund site as a candidate for evaluating renewable energy generation potential after cleanup activities were completed in 2008. The site owner, ANP, manufactures chemical products on site, which requires a large of amount of electricity. Due to site owner interest, local incentives and abundant solar resource availability, this site presented a unique opportunity for EPA to support the evaluation of renewable energy generation on contaminated lands.
Solution:
Funded through EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Initiative, Skeo Solutions conducted a renewable energy pre-feasibility analysis to evaluate the site’s potential for renewable energy development that could be compatible with the remedy and help offset current energy demand. The analysis included an evaluation of renewable energy resource availability, a suitability analysis based on site characteristics and renewable energy technology criteria, and a review of market and local incentives to support renewable energy projects. The analysis found that the site has excellent solar power generation potential and using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, Skeo Solutions identified zones suitable for solar development.
Outcome:
As a result of this project, Skeo Solutions provided EPA with a model to evaluate Superfund site suitability for renewable energy generation. On the ground, this provided the community with the potential for reduced energy demand and a diversified energy portfolio. Based on the opportunities highlighted in this analysis, the site owner has moved forward in pursuing two solar projects on the site.
