TransAlta Coal Transition Board Awards a Grant to support a solar project for the City of Pullman
Centralia, Wash. (August 12, 2020) The TransAlta Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board announced today a grant award in the amount of $260,000 to the City of Pullman to support the installation of a 100kW Washington-made roof-mounted solar system on a new city government building.
The transition board grant is leveraged with funding received from the Washington Department of Commerce. The solar system is rated to last more than 30 years, producing 98,320 kilowatt-hours per year with an annual energy savings to the City of approximately $10,353.
“We are pleased that the Energy Technology Board has been able to provide funding to add the infrastructure which supports the City in their commitment to sustainability and renewable energy” said Lori Schmitt, funding board member. “Congratulations to the City of Pullman and their partners on getting the solar project up and running.”
The Energy Technology Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December 2020 and the second unit in December 2025. The company is investing $55 million into Lewis and South Thurston Counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.
Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Annual payments for the funding boards began in 2012 with the last payment due December 31, 2023. The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.
Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;
Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;
Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.