COMMUNITY-CENTRIC
Re-energizing a former coal mine in Wise County
Wildcats Solar will generate affordable, domestic, clean power while bringing a mix of economic and community benefits to Wise County and Southwest Virginia (SWVA) now and for the long term.
Developed in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and NatureVest, the project is located on the former Indian Creek Surface Mine, on Route 23 in Pound. The mine achieved final reclamation and bond release in 2008.
By focusing on a previously mined and well reclaimed property, the project proudly contributes to Wise County’s legacy as an energy producer. The site’s hillsides and trees will shield the 100-acre development from roadside viewing, and once operational, the facility will operate as a quiet, passive neighbor.
80+
temporary jobs created*
$200K
planned contribution to the Cumberland Forest Community Fund
$800K+
tax revenue for Wise County over the project’s lifetime.**
$2M
total regional economic impact over project lifetime, 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
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 operations & maintenance jobs, and a boost in economic impact throughout the region during the construction phase.
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 30–40 years.
INTERACTIVE MAP
Explore the project site and preliminary solar array layout
Community Open House
October 21, 2026
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 about Wildcats Solar, including plans to generate power while bringing a mix of economic and community benefits to Wise County and surrounding region.
After that short presentation, we’ll move into an open house-style session where you can ask questions and share thoughts with our team.
RSVP via email to: Colten.Despain@terraformpower.com
WHAT
Wildcats Community Open House
WHEN
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026
6:00–7:30 PM
WHERE
Delights by the Pound
8044 Main St
Pound, VA 24279
LEARN MORE
Frequently asked questions
Where is the energy going?
The electricity that Wildcats Solar generates will go directly into the existing Appalachian Power Company distribution system and will become part of the regional energy mix.
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 Virginia 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. During this process, equipment is removed and the site is restored. A bond — paid for upfront by the project — ensures that funding is available for this process and that associated costs never fall to the landowner or the county.
HOW WE WORK
Our approach to responsible solar
All of us at TerraForm have dedicated ourselves to doing work this generation that the next will be proud of. We are deeply committed to the communities that host our facilities.
We work closely with local stakeholders, we work hard to build strong public-private partnerships, and we strive to provide long term positive contributions in communities through charitable giving, environmental stewardship, and more.
STAY INFORMED
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.
WHO WE ARE
About TerraForm Power
TerraForm Power is a Brookfield Renewable portfolio company and a leading North American developer and owner‑operator of utility‑scale renewable energy assets, driving the next generation of electric power, with a pipeline of more than 8 gigawatts and more than 2 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery storage capacity across 16 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. As a full‑service renewable energy firm, TerraForm supports the entire project lifecycle from site origination and permitting through construction and long‑term operations.
Please visit TerraForm.com to learn more.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Us
Colten Despain
Associate Manager, Project Management
Cell:
928-457-6402
Wildcats Solar is located on the former Indian Creek Surface Mine, on Route 23 in Pound, Virginia.
Photo credit: The Nature Conservancy, Link Elmore
