In a remarkable achievement for sustainable energy development, the 170 MWDC Bartonsville Energy Facility in Virginia has been awarded the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This prestigious gold medal recognizes the project’s innovative approach to environmental stewardship, particularly its use of Nevados’ All Terrain Tracker (ATT) technology.
Innovative Tracking Technology
The ATT system is designed to adapt to natural landscapes, accommodating slope changes of up to 26% at each foundation. This flexibility eliminates the need for extensive land grading, thereby preserving the environment and simplifying stormwater management. Notably, the Bartonsville project avoided moving over 400,000 cubic yards of soil—equivalent to 123 Olympic-sized swimming pools—and reduced steel usage by more than 230,000 linear feet, resulting in significant cost savings.
Industry Recognition
The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards honor initiatives that surpass regulatory requirements to enhance environmental quality and promote sustainability. The Bartonsville Energy Facility, developed in partnership with MYR Energy Services, D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), and Nevados, exemplifies such innovation. Yezin Taha, CEO of Nevados, stated, “Our All Terrain Tracker represents a significant advancement in solar development, enabling us to utilize solar energy without disrupting the natural landscape.”
Conclusion
The recognition of the Bartonsville Energy Facility underscores the potential of innovative technologies like Nevados’ ATT to drive sustainable and efficient solar energy projects. By minimizing environmental impact and reducing construction costs, such advancements pave the way for future developments in renewable energy.
