Re-energizing a former coal mine in Wise County, VA
Wildcats Solar will generate affordable, domestic, clean power while bringing a mix of economic and community benefits to Wise County and Southwest Virginia (SWVA) immediately and for the long term.
The project is located on the former Indian Creek Surface Mine, on Route 23 just outside of Pound. Indian Creek Mine achieved final reclamation and bond release in 2008. The site’s hillsides and trees will shield the 100-acre development from roadside viewing, allowing the facility to operate as a quiet, passive neighbor.
By focusing on a previously mined and well reclaimed property, the project contributes to Wise County’s legacy as an energy producer.
Wildcats Solar also builds upon developer Sun Tribe's previous work in Wise County, which began at the Mineral Gap Data Center, home to a 3.6 MW solar array. Mineral Gap has been in operation since 2023 and is Virginia's first solar project built on former mine lands.
Local Benefits
Supporting Wise and SWVA
The project developers are seeking to achieve meaningful, positive outcomes connected to local needs through contributions to the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, creation of new tax revenue for Wise County, support for near-term construction jobs and long-term Operation & Maintenance jobs, and a boost in economic impact throughout the region during the construction phase.
$200,000
planned contribution to the Cumberland Forest Community Fund to support local people’s efforts to enhance economic diversification, build community capacity, and steward SWVA’s natural assets.
80+
temporary jobs created related to construction, operation, and other activities.*
$800,000+
in tax revenue for Wise County over the project’s lifetime.**
$2,000,000
total economic impact, including tax revenue, community benefits funding, and regional economic impact during construction.
* initial JEDI model estimates include 62 direct jobs during construction, 3 long-term positions during operation, and 16 additional indirect employment opportunities
** based on current project size, subject to final design
Regional Context
The Cumberland Forest Project comes to life
At 253,000 acres, the Cumberland Forest Project is one of The Nature Conservancy’s largest-ever conservation efforts in the eastern United States — nearly as large as Shenandoah and New River Gorge National Parks combined.
The Cumberland Forest includes lands in SWVA as well as along the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The project seeks to generate positive economic, social, and conservation benefits through sustainable forestry, outdoor recreation, mined land restoration, wildlife management, responsibly-sited renewable energy, and other activities.
To bring that vision to life, some former coal mining sites within the Cumberland Forest are being put to work again for solar and energy storage development. These sites make up less than 0.5% of the Cumberland Forest, and provide an opportunity to bring millions of dollars into the local economy over the next 30 to 40 years.
Interactive Map
Explore the project site and preliminary solar array layout
At a Glance
Size (energy):
10 MWac
Size (area):
100 acres*
*67 acres designated for solar panels
Anticipated start of construction:
2025
Anticipated completion:
2026
Timeline
Project Timeline
Q2 2021
Local Plan of Development Approval received from Wise County
Q1 2023
Preliminary design and interconnection study
Q1 2024
Execute Interconnection Agreement with Appalachian Power
Q1 2021
State Permit By Rule Approval received from VA Dept of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Est. Q2 2025
Construction Mobilization, estimated 12-month duration, concluding in 2026
Est. Q3 2025
Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Plans submitted to Wise County
Est. Q4 2025
The Nature Conservancy selects Sun Tribe as a Cumberland Forest Solar development in nation-wide RFP.
Est. Q4 2026
Commissioning / Project Operation
Wildcats Solar
Will:
Produce energy on a site historically used for energy production
Generate revenue and community benefits in Wise County and SWVA
Expand opportunities for the regional workforce
Wildcats Solar
Displace coal jobs
Be a mega solar farm
Be visible from Route 23
Act as a drain on County resources
Will Not:
Project Details & Status
Current Progress and upcoming timeline
CAREFULLY SELECTED SITE LOCATION
Re-uses previously disturbed lands and avoids surrounding forests
Proposed use aligns with historic uses in the immediate area
Connects to existing power distribution system (no new power infrastructure is needed, project will improve existing distribution lines)
Project will be decommissioned and removed after use; a decommissioning bond will be established for the County’s benefit
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Consultation with The Nature Conservancy, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Virginia DEQ, and others will help ensure a strong plan for environmental stewardship.
Wildlife-friendly fencing and/or wildlife corridors will be incorporated into the site design to facilitate safe passage of wildlife.
Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Plans will be reviewed and approved by Wise County, VA prior to construction.
A Vegetation Management Plan will be established to ensure the right mix of vegetative species is chosen for land cover under the array and around the site, including native grasses and pollinator-friendly species where feasible.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS / DEVELOPMENT
Local Use Permit approval received from Wise County
State Permit By Rule approval received from VA Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Preliminary design underway
Final design and equipment procurement not started, expected in 2025
CONSTRUCTION
Estimated 12-month duration, concluding in 2026
Construction Traffic Management Plan will be established
OPERATION
Minimal impact (no offsite noise, emissions, or lighting)
Very limited traffic (average 1–2 trips per month)
Facility monitored remotely 24/7
Stormwater features, groundcover and vegetation, and wildlife corridors to be maintained for the life of the project
Media Coverage
Spotlight on SWVA, inspiring the world
SWVA’s leadership is inspiring community leaders across the country and around the globe, showing what’s possible as energy communities build on their past while planning for their future.
In Virginia, abandoned coal mines are transformed into solar farms
From former coal mines to retired nuclear plants, old energy sites are becoming new valued assets through solar development
Mineral Gap is Virginia’s first solar plant built on former mine land
Innovative models for reclamation and federal funding are creating new opportunities for former mine lands and the communities near them
Mining the sun: Benefits of solar energy on former mine sites
The Mineral Gap Data Center and solar project are bringing new economic and energy development to Wise County and SWVA
November 12, 2024
Community Open House
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Delights by the Pound, 11223 Indian Creek Road, Pound, VA
Please join us in connecting and discussing Wildcats Solar — over a free dinner provided by Delights by the Pound.
We’ll begin the evening with a brief presentation on Wildcats Solar’s plans to generate power while bringing a mix of economic and community benefits to Wise County and surrounding region. From there we’ll move into an open house-style session where you can ask questions and share thoughts.
Community Engagement
Stay Informed & add your voice
Sign up to stay informed
We seek to ensure Wildcats Solar will deliver positive outcomes that are meaningful and connected to local needs. As our community engagement work continues, there are opportunities for you to attend community meetings, site visits, and celebrations. Please email us to connect directly and add your contact information to stay informed about the project. We want to hear from you.
Contact us
Betsy Arlen
Vice President of Real Estate
betsy.arlen@suntribedevelopment.com
Seth Herman
Director of Community
seth.herman@suntribedevelopment.com
FAQ
frequently asked questions
Where is the energy going?
Utility customers, both residential and commercial, will consume the energy generated by the array. The power is going directly to the Appalachian Power grid. Solar energy is one of the most cost-effective new energy sources.
Are solar panels safe?
Solar panels are safe and do not pose a health or safety risk. The technology is also being used atop public schools in SWVA and on homes and public buildings across the country.
What happens to the land at the end of the solar project’s life?
At the end of the project's lifetime, decommissioning occurs. This includes removing the solar system. After the equipment is removed from the site, restoration of the site formerly occupied by the array occurs. A decommissioning bond will be implemented to ensure funding for decommissioning is available under any circumstance.
About Us
Sun Tribe Development
We are a Virginia-based company that partners with local communities to capture the economic benefits of solar power generation and energy storage.
We invest in workforce development, local initiatives and priorities, and develop in communities that are eager to participate in the new energy economy. All of our projects seek to align with the community’s long-range planning and overall vision for the future.