This article first appeared in the PA Anthracite Council March Anthracite Report. EPCAMR received a $100,000 grant from the US Department of Energy for the feasibility study but it is now frozen.  See update below.

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation has unveiled a bold proposal to transform the former site of the Wheelabrator-Frackville Energy Co. into a new energy supplier.

The site, located near Frackville [in Schuylkill County], was retired in February 2020 and has remained without a workforce or employment opportunities since the [coal waste-fired] Co=Gen Plant was completely dismantled.

EPCAMR’s initiative aims to revitalize the region by addressing environmental concerns, fostering economic growth and advancing sustainable energy solutions.

The proposed feasibility study will explore innovative ways to repurpose the abandoned Morea mine complex for renewable energy applications.

Key components of the project include--

-- Utilizing Flooded Mine Water Pools For Cooling And Energy Storage: The study will assess the feasibility of using the mine’s flooded pools to cool data centers and store thermal energy, reducing the environmental impact of traditional cooling methods.

-- Developing a Solar Energy Farm: EPCAMR is considering integrating a new solar array at the site, creating a synergy between geothermal and solar energy resources.

-- Environmental Remediation: Addressing long-standing health hazards associated with the mine pools will improve regional water quality and support community health within the Mill Creek Watershed, a tributary to the Schuylkill River.

-- Economic and Workforce Development: EPCAMR is engaging with colleges, universities, and vocational schools to develop training programs that will equip the local workforce with skills needed in the renewable energy sector.

-- Community Stakeholder Engagement: Outreach efforts will ensure that the communities of Frackvill, Morea, Pottsville, Hazleton and smaller coalfield towns are actively involved in the planning and development process.

According to EPCAMR Executive Director Robert Hughes, this project has the potential to serve as a national model, demonstrating how coal communities can creatively and effectively transition to a sustainable future.

By integrating renewable energy solutions with economic revitalization efforts, EPCAMR’s plan aligns with the US Department of Energy’s mission toward net-zero emissions and a just energy transition.

EPCAMR is working closely with the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ Repurposing Center for Energy Transition, EnergyWerx and the US Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil and Carbon Management.

Discussions with colleges, universities and vocational schools are underway to establish training programs for the growing renewable energy sector.

The feasibility study will lay the foundation for future construction and operational phases.

Identifying necessary permits and ensuring compliance with environmental and construction standards are critical steps in making this project a reality.

The transformation of the Morea mine complex could set a precedent for how former coal communities nationwide repurpose existing assets for a sustainable future.

Project Update

An update from Robert Hughes, Executive Director of EPCAMR: the project is now frozen and “under review” by the US DOE. 

The project study itself is 70% complete.  One piece that is not finished is a subcontract with Penn State for the study of the mine pool and its geothermal potential with EnergyWerx.

Hughes said they hope to continue the project when the funding is allowed to continue.

“The stakeholder involvement was critical to the success and initial development of the project and outreach on the possibilities for such a site at Morea.

“EPCAMR has remained committed to our partners in the region and everyone was very supportive and appreciative of our efforts,” said Hughes.

Visit the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation website for more information on mine reclamation initiatives.

(Reprinted from the PA Anthracite Council March Anthracite Report.)

Upcoming Events

-- March 26 Lunch & Learn Meeting On Project To Demonstrate Scale Rare Earth, Critical Minerals Recovery In Clearfield County  [PaEN]

-- June 4-5: Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance Mine Pools As Beneficial Resource Conference. Bucknell University.

NewsClips:

-- The Allegheny Front - Reid Frazier: President’s Federal Funding Freeze Brought Some Abandoned Mine Cleanup In PA To A Standstill

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Federal Funding For Cleaning Up Abandoned Mines In PA Must Be Protected - By Eric Dixon, Ohio River Valley Institute

Related Article:

-- Penn State, Project InnerSpace Report: Leverage Oil & Gas Workers To Generate Enough Geothermal Energy To Meet 100% Of Pennsylvania's Electricity, Heating, Medium Industrial Process Needs  [PaEN]

[Posted: March 4, 2025]

3/10/2025