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Catalyst Energy outlines Bright Ridge plan, pledges decommissioning bonds and local outreach
Summary
Catalyst Energy Partners presented a plan to colocate solar alongside an existing gas-fired plant in Washington County, estimating a 30–35 year project life, about 1,800 acres under lease, 'north of $20 million' in local tax benefits and more than 300 construction jobs; the company pledged bonds, recycling and expanded public outreach.
Steve Melnyte, president of Catalyst Energy Partners, told the Washington County Planning Commission on May 21 that his company plans a large-scale solar development colocated with an existing natural‑gas power plant and presented technical, financial and community‑engagement details.
Melnyte said Catalyst, founded in 2020, is led by CEO Matt Cheney and other executives with decades of renewable‑energy experience. He described a strategy of building solar adjacent to existing gas plants to avoid costly new long‑distance transmission and to support grid reliability. "We are really founded on a very different premise than many renewable energy developers," Melnyte said, adding that the approach reduces the need to build long transmission lines.
On project scope, Melnyte said Catalyst has negotiated about nine leases covering a little over 1,800 acres in Washington County and expects the…
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