Unique Partnership In Southwest Virginia Brings New Solar Energy And Jobs To Coalfields

Plans were announced Wednesday for a ten megawatt solar energy project that is expected to bring new jobs to the declining coal mines of Southwest Virginia. The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia announces a unique partnership with Secure Futures, a producer of solar energy projects in Virginia. The partnership includes Mountain Empire Community College in the heart of Southwest Virginia, where students will be taught solar development and installation work skills.The new solar partnership is an alliance of nonprofit, state government, educational and private sector entities. The partners are working to achieve significant goals over the next three years which include construction of ten megawatts of power in the coalfield region by the end of 2023.