Largest floating solar array in North America now online in New Jersey
North America’s largest floating solar array is now complete in New Jersey. Owned and operated by NJR Clean Energy Ventures, the 8.9 MW solar project spans the 17-acre Canoe Brook Reservoir in Short Hills, New Jersey. The project will provide approximately 95% of the energy needs of New Jersey American Water’s Canoe Brook water treatment plant.
“Floating solar technology creates new opportunities for underutilized bodies of water, allowing space that would otherwise be empty to enable large-scale renewable energy production that helps bring the benefits of clean energy to more customers,” said Robert Pohlman, vice president. From NJR Clean Energy Ventures. “As the leader in New Jersey’s solar market, we look forward to working with New Jersey American Water to support its energy needs and advance the state’s clean energy and climate goals.”
“As the state’s largest water and wastewater company, it is essential for us to be good stewards of the environment by operating efficiently and in ways that help protect our natural resources,” said Mark McDonough, president of American Water Company of New Jersey. “This initiative provides a significant reduction in traditional energy use that benefits the environment as well as our customers through limited capital expenditures and reduced electricity costs.”
The Canoe Brook solar farm is fully commercialized in January 2023 after a year of construction. Canoe Brook is the second floating solar project in NJR CEV’s portfolio. The first, a 4.4 MW array located in Sayreville, New Jersey, entered commercial operation in 2020.
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