Coal Transition Board Awards a Grant to support 9.6kW solar project
Media Island International, a non-profit organization received a grant award of $6,703.00
Centralia, Wash. (August 17, 2021) The TransAlta Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board approved a grant award of $6,703.00 to support the installation of a rooftop solar energy system on the Media Island building in downtown Olympia, Washington. This grant award is being leveraged with funding received from the Hammond Climate Solution’s “Solar Moonshot” program.
The 9.6kW solar project is expected to reduce annual electric costs saving the organization approximately $1,500 per year and support the efforts of the organization in meeting regional emission reduction goals. The system, engineered by Olympia solar installer South Sound Solar utilizes modules manufactured in Washington State and has an estimated annual production of 7,690kWh.
Media Island International is a cultural, educational, and networking center, whose focus is to support women of color in their leadership while working with other like-minded individuals and groups who do conscious social justice activism. Media Island collaborates with the Olympia Community Solar, a non-profit community solar company with a mission to support transition to clean energy through community solar education, policy, and project development.
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.