News Summary
Cayce city officials have given the green light to a 15-acre solar energy project aimed at powering the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant. Proposed by CMCOG, the initiative promises to provide sustainable energy for local communities with no upfront cost to local governments. Scheduled for construction between 2026 and 2027, the project has secured an $8.7 million grant and is supported by regional partners, indicating a strong commitment to renewable energy expansion in South Carolina.
Cayce, S.C. – City officials in Cayce have approved plans for a significant 15-acre solar energy project aimed at supplying renewable energy to the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project proposal, presented by the Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG), is poised to deliver environmental and economic benefits to several local communities.
The solar energy project is designed to harness renewable sources to power the regional wastewater facility, providing sustainable energy solutions for years to come. If successfully developed, the solar arrays are anticipated to have an operational lifespan of up to 30 years. Notably, at this stage of the proposal, no financial commitment is required from local governments, easing concerns about public spending.
Though there is no finalized agreement yet, CMCOG is optimistic about concluding one by the end of the year. This forthcoming agreement will clarify any potential contributions from local governments moving forward, ensuring collaborative funding and support for the project.
Construction for the solar project is projected to commence between spring 2026 and fall 2027, with the completion date expected between spring 2028 and fall 2028. Following the construction phase, the project will enter a post-construction data collection period that will assess its performance.
The proposal has already secured an $8.7 million grant and gained the approval of regional partners, including the Cities of Columbia and Richland County, who also utilize the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, thereby indicating strong regional support and investment in renewable energy initiatives.
In addition to the Cayce solar project, there are broader efforts underway in South Carolina to enhance the state’s energy capacity. The state’s electric cooperatives are ramping up their capacity in response to increasing energy demands, driven by population growth and industrial expansion. Over $500 million in federal funding has been allocated to bolster this effort, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture approving funding for various energy projects including solar farms, battery storage, and a nuclear plant in Rock Hill, which together will provide an additional 695 megawatts of energy.
Among the other initiatives funded by federal grants are two solar farms located in Georgetown County, which are set to generate approximately 200 megawatts of power. Further, $69 million has been earmarked for future solar projects, and another $14.4 million is allocated for upcoming battery storage systems, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state.
Furthermore, over $360 million is dedicated to providing 150 megawatts from the Catawba atomic power station, while South Carolina’s electric cooperatives, primarily supplied by Santee Cooper and Duke Energy, continue to work on enhancing their power generation capabilities to meet rising energy demands.
In summary, the approval of the 15-acre solar energy project in Cayce marks a significant step towards advancing renewable energy initiatives in South Carolina. With continued support from local, regional, and federal partners, this initiative has the potential to create a positive impact on the environment and local communities for decades to come.
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Cayce City Council Approves Solar Energy Project
- Wikipedia: Solar Energy
- WLTX: City of Cayce Solar Panel Project
- Google Search: Cayce Solar Energy Project
- The State: Local Environment News
- Google Scholar: Solar Energy Initiatives South Carolina
- MSN: T1 Energy Advances Solar Cell Plant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Renewable Energy
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
