The Town of Coventry in Rhode Island has advanced its capabilities for renewable energy generation and enhanced its long‑term environmental stewardship through completion of the Coventry Landfill Solar project.

It collaborated with energy infrastructure solutions provider Ameresco and North American decarbonisation-as-a-service provider Luminace.

Solar array

The Town of Coventry’s landfill solar project features a 5.740Mw solar array estimated to generate approximately 7.7 million kWh annually, enough to power more than 1,100 homes.

The project is expected to eliminate 3,760 tons of carbon dioxide each year. Developed on a capped landfill with limited redevelopment alternatives and designated under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the project demonstrates how underutilised land can be transformed into productive clean‑energy infrastructure.

“This project not only represents a significant step towards our sustainability goals but also brings considerable economic benefits to our community”

In addition to delivering clean energy, the project provides significant economic benefits to the Town of Coventry. The landfill solar array is expected to generate lease revenue, taxes, and reimbursement for the landfill cap maintenance policy. Over the initial lease period, the economic benefit to the town is estimated to be approximately $4.4m. By repurposing previously unproductive land for renewable energy production, the town establishes a reliable revenue stream while contributing to local job creation and economic activity.

“We are thrilled to see the completion of the Coventry Landfill Solar project,” said Andrew Nota, town manager, of the neighbouring Rhode Island Town of East Greenwich. “This project not only represents a significant step towards our sustainability goals but also brings considerable economic benefits to our community. We are proud of the work Ameresco has done to make this vision a reality and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our town.”