Beaver County has announced that a new renewable energy facility is planning to set up shop in Equity Industrial Park.
The move has Reeve Kevin Smook saying that the county has “scored a touchdown” in trying to grow its industrial base.
Cap Clean Energy Corp. has chosen the site in the park just east of Ryley on Highway 14. The company’s project will be the production of biofuel from plant-based residue.
Cap Clean has worked closely with county administration and local agricultural producers over the last 18 months “to assess site feasibility,” states the county in a press release last Friday.
Other factors included the securing of long-term sources of feedstock, and “laying the groundwork for long-term presence in the community,” said the release.
Beaver County’s Reeve Kevin Smook stated this was a welcome addition to the county’s industrial bas.
“We’re excited to welcome Cap Clean Energy to Beaver County,” he said, in a statement.
He added: “This initiative aligns with our vision for responsible growth, and represents a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and rural innovation.”
The site chosen in Equity Industrial Park is close to “key transportation corridors,” such as highways and local road systems, and the trains which frequently run along Highway 14 right through Beaver County on their way to points east and west.
“These logistical advantages combined with support from the local government made Beaver County an attractive choice for Cap Clean’s long-term investment,” stated the county in its press release.
CEO of Cap Clean Energy Steve Poly states that “Beaver County offers the right mix of infrastructure, strategic location, and community collaboration.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the community as plans progress,” said Polvi.
Smook later added additional information on the new project.
“Beaver County has been moving the ball up the field in our promotion of economic development and growth,” he stated two days after the announcement.
“And we’ve scored a touchdown with the CAP Clean Energy announcement,” he said.
Reeve Smook also stated that he believes this project “will have a positive impact on many of our local producers.”
He credited the county’s Beaver County Economic Development Advisory Committee, which was created by this latest county council, and the county’s administrative team for this success.
“They have been instrumental in promoting our region,” said Smook, and increasing industrial assessment in the county.
“Continuing to grow our industrial and commercial base will help our county maintain the services our residents need,” he explained.
Local farmers are expected to profit from supplying feedstock to the facility, which will be used to produce the biofuel.
A development permit will be required, stated Smook, adding: “If the facility meets the definition of a renewable energy facility, it will be a permitted use on the land purchased (by Cap Clean Energy), so no rezoning will be required and, therefore, no public hearing (will be required).”
As for the timelines for building the facility and implementation, “This is to be decided based on several factors,” said Smook, which are unspecified at this time.
But he did say that there could be local jobs generated.
“Potentially, there are jobs, based on skill sets and needs,” he said.
“The project reflects Beaver County’s ongoing efforts to attract sustainable development and diversify the local economy through partnerships that support innovation and long-term growth,” added Tracey Popick, communications coordinator for Beaver County.
Patricia Harcourt
