Mineral Gap Data Center in Wise County, Virginia
DP Facilities is the company that developed the Mineral Gap Data Center in Wise County, Virginia that is powered by a 3.6 MW solar array. The 20-acre 3.6 MW capacity solar system will power the data center’s 65,000-square foot flagship building. Mineral Gap Data Center is the first solar project in history that converted an abandoned mine into a solar energy site.
- EMISSION REDUCTION 45%
PROJECT
OVERVIEW
Wise County, Virginia has a history as being a center of energy production and innovation. The community was eager to support the solar-powered data center established by DP facilities, particularly the opportunities for new clean energy jobs.
Several regional stakeholders including Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, Appalachian Voices, and Wise County Economic Development office collaborated to create the first solar project in Virginia’s history to be built on an abandoned mine land.
IMPACT
OF Project
The benefits of the Mineral Gap Data Center’s solar array extend beyond its immediate site. The project not only created construction and maintenance jobs, but also serves as a catalyst for a cleaner regional economy.
“This is a very good day for Wise County and for DP Facilities. We are leading the way in solar in this area and it is our goal to continue to be a leader in green energy in the country the way that we have been the last 100 years,” said Michael Hatfield, Wise County Administrator.
Additionally, the project’s significance has gained national and regional attention, with coverage from Bloomberg, Energy News Network, Solar Industry Magazine, RadioIQ, and other prominent media outlets. PBS and VPM highlighted the Mineral Gap Data Center project in their Creating Common Wealth series.
This series explores how leaders across Virginia are driving economic growth through innovation. It showcases inspiring stories of individuals revitalizing their communities and outlines a vision for a prosperous and unified future for all residents.
FINANCING
THE PROJECT
Mineral Gap Data Centers’ proposed solar energy farm was one of the 10 projects chosen for a $500,000 grant from the state’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) pilot program, which is now called the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program.
This grant was funded by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The Virginia Department of Energy administers these funds to reclaim eligible abandoned mine sites.
