Scott Vlaun (left), executive director for the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy and Sarah Carter of Norway’s Select Board cut the ribbon to launch operations of the Norway Community Solar Farm, a projected dedicated to alleviating energy expenses for the town of Norway and other local businesses and organizations. UGE International, the project developer and operator, was represented by UGE staff Tyler Adkins (second from right) and Cece Carey-Snow. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

NORWAY — The town of Norway and the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy have added a new venture to their ongoing collaboration to expand sustainable and alternative infrastructure within the local community.

Norway, represented by Selectman Sarah Carter, and CEBE’s Scott Vlaun held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with solar developer UGE International last Wednesday to celebrate a new community energy project – one aimed at addressing energy for local businesses and institutions.

The Norway Community Solar Farm stands apart from other energy fields in a few ways.

One is that instead of developing an open and untouched landscape, this array was constructed on a “brightfield” property. The site is on Brown Street in Norway and is the former town landfill. It cannot be used for any residential or commercial purpose, but it is safe to operate an electricity-generating system. UGE international, who will also be the project operator, leases it from the town, providing revenue and taxpayer relief from property that would otherwise be a liability.

“I find poetry in the idea that we are standing here on a garbage dump along the Little Androscoggin River,” Vlaun told the crowd gathered to celebrate the solar farm and tour the grounds. “We’ve converted it into something that is going to have a positive ecological impact for the next 35 years. It will support local businesses.

“We began talking back in 2019 about the idea of using the landfill” to fight climate change.

“We had this vision of turning it into something the town will benefit from.”

Another element of the new solar farm is that its purpose is to specifically help organizations mitigate reliance on fossil fuel energy. The town of Norway will operate its business from the energy it produces. Small businesses like Gemini Cafe & Bakery in Bethel, 25 miles to the north of Norway, have already enrolled. Maine School Administrative District 17, which is undergoing an energy audit, will have the option of tapping into the system as well.

“Something that sets Norway apart is our strong partnerships with community organizations like CEBE,” Sarah Carter, selectwoman for the town of Norway added during her remarks. “We are not experts. People come to present their ideas and and we listen and find the best way to move forward.

“I want to say a huge thank you to CEBE. This is just one of many projects they are shepherding forward thinking ideas, to set Norway up to be the incredible place that it is …. Our community members have a huge sense of pride and this comes from our strong relationships with our organizations and local businesses.”

The Norway Community Solar Farm will offset more than 1,000 metric tons of CO2 each year, the equivalent of 150,000 gallons of gasoline.