52, it appears the decommissioning requirements apply to projects in a similar fashion as the applicability of the county commission public meeting (see above); however we will closely monitor how the OPSB implements this section through administrative rulemaking going forward and/or its discretionary authority to craft conditions to certificates. Click Subscribe Now to get attorney insights on the latest developments in a range of services and industries. Times Gazette. body.dark-skin #buddypress div.item-list-tabs ul li.current a, R.C. t: 937.224.5300 display: none !important; There are currently forty solar farms in the pipeline or already being built. } The states surprisingly strong solar resource, the available transmission capacity, and the amount of flat, tillable acreage in the state have positioned Ohio to be a potential leader in the region. In 2017, he completed the radio training program at WYSO's Eichelberger Center for Community Voices. body.dark-skin #groups-list-options a.selected, } More from Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin. display: none !important; .quantity .plus:hover, As with Powell Creek, hardware specifics are not yet available, with the only information being that the modules will be ground-mounted. Adds two more voting members to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) to now include county and township government representatives or designees on solar and wind projects. The hearings, which are set to take place at 6 p.m., EST on July 7 at Margaretta High School for Wheatsborough and 6 p.m., EST on July 22 at Bucyrus Public Library, are intended to give unaffiliated individuals an opportunity to provide testimony regarding the proposed facility, before OPSB decides whether to approve the project or not. #theme-header, The huge utility transmission lines that run above the facility can connect the energy produced there to the regional grid, potentially serving millions of people. border-color:transparent transparent Array; } The plan must be prepared by a professional engineer, and designate the responsible parties for decommissioning, a schedule of decommissioning, and cost estimates R.C. A large solar facility or large wind farm means an electric generating plant that consists of solar panels and associated facilities or wind turbines and associated facilities with a single interconnection to the electrical grid capable of operation at 50 megawatts or more. .tie-cat-125 a.more-link {background-color:Array;} One of the authorizations will allow Pleasant Prairie Solar to construct a 250 megawatt solar-powered electric generating facility in Pleasant and Prairie townships in Franklin County. } display: none !important; Local opponents have succeeded in killing plans for a solar array in rural Ohio that now becomes one of the largest renewable energy projects in the country canceled because of resistance from nearby residents and their elected leaders. 52, they also passed the states operating budget, Sub. display: none !important; March 19, 2021. #main-nav ul li.current_page_parent a, background-image: url('https://ocj.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Winter-Header-Image-1920x150-II.png') !important; display: none !important; Environmental reporter Chris Welter is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. Suite 1110 Nestlewood is a proposed 80 megawatt (MW) solar-powered electric generation facility located in Brown and Clermont Counties in southwest Ohio, approximately 25 miles east of Cincinnati. S.B. 52, as amended, includes grandfathering provisions to address certain projects currently under development. width = 50; #buddypress a.button, } /* li.mega-menu:hover > a:after { S.B. In short, the law requires a new upfront approval from the County Commission prior to the developer moving forward with the state siting process for certification of utility-scale solar and wind projects. Allows County Commissioners to establish restricted areas where wind and solar projects are prohibited, subject to referendum. By Tristan Navera. 4906.22. body.single .post .entry a:hover, body.page .post .entry a:hover { a.button, #featured-posts .flex-prev:hover, .post-listing, R.C. } The Ohio Power Siting Board approved the Harvey Solar Project, leading the way for a 350 MW solar facility in Licking County. So please lend us the money to build the project.'". Commissioners must provide 30 days advance public notice of the meeting to ensure local awareness when considering a resolution designating restricted areas. Required fields are marked *. /*Tilmon*/ .page-id-110992 header, .page-id-110992 footer { .page-id-113047 header, .page-id-113047 footer { The larger project is the 577 MW Fox Squirrel Solar project, which will occupy approximately 3,444 acres within a 3,766-acre area located in Madison County, west of Columbus. For more information, visit our Solar Resource Center. /*Siebeneck*/ -. OPSB approves solar energy projects in Hancock County, electric transmission line in Franklin County. /*Davis*/ The process also now requires several steps intended to encourage additional local awareness and input regarding the project. The rise in development of solar facilities in Ohio will take up significant chunks of farmland for two to four decades, the typical duration of lease agreements with the solar energy companies seeking Ohio land. R.C. The OPSB will hold a local public hearing regarding Circleville Solars proposal to construct a 3.6-mile, 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect the proposed Circleville Solar Project generation facility to an existing 138 kV substation in the city of Circleville. } .breaking-news span.breaking-news-title {background: #e30000;} The Ohio Power Siting Board on Thursday approved the 80-megawatt Angelina Solar Project and the 69.9-megawatt Alamo Solar Project. border-left-color:#000000; Feb 16, 2023 - The OPSB today authorized South Branch Solar, LLC and Border Basin I, LLC to construct solar-powered electric generating facilities in Hancock County. A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. } .page-id-113009 header, .page-id-113009 footer { In one instance, the legal case docket was reopened and modifications to the permit application were made. The OPSB today authorized South Branch Solar, LLC and Border Basin I, LLC to construct solar-powered electric generating facilities in Hancock County. Developers must post a performance bond before construction may begin, with the OPSB as the obligee of the bond. The latest approvals this month by the Ohio Power Siting Board pushed the state's approved solar project pipeline to about 2.1 gigawatts, with another 4.3 gigawatts' worth of projects pending before regulators. Further, material amendments to existing facilities in these restricted areas are prohibited. "OPSB Solar Facilities Mapping Application". .widget.timeline-posts li a:hover span.tie-date:before { a.post-slideshow-next, background: #000000; Required fields are marked *. 303.58 (C). Steven Shparber is an attorney and member of the Environment, Energy & Natural Resources group for the law firm Clark Hill. 52 requires a decommissioning plan prepared by a registered professional engineer be submitted to the OPSB 60 days before construction. display: none !important; /*McClure*/ See Art. The solar farm chart has also been updated, with anadded column specifying whether or not aproject has been grandfathered and if an ad hoc board member is required. } Governor Mike DeWine is expected to sign the bill into law, with an expected effective date in early October 2021. .widget_price_filter .ui-slider .ui-slider-handle, The City of Cincinnati recently agreed to a twenty year contract worth more than $125 million. 4906.02(A)(2); R.C. } #topcontrol, #members-list-options a.selected, 303.58(E). display: none !important; As part of the siting process, environmental resources, natural resources, and visual impacts . By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment. /*Aultman*/ The thousand acre-plus Hillcrest operation can produce enough electricity every year to power almost 40,000 homes. } } The law takes effect October 11, 2021. In the next part of WYSO's series on solar energy in Ohio, Chris will be looking at the battle lines that are emerging around utility-scale solar. Residents sign sheets expressing support or opposition for the Kingwood Solar Project It was a chance for residents to speak in front of representatives of the Ohio Power Siting Board. } The measure cleared the path for three projects two in Hardin County and one in Brown and Clermont counties to move forward. The Ohio Power Siting Board has approved applications filed by Fox Squirrel Solar, LLC and Powell Creek Solar, LLC to construct two solar projects, one of which will rank as one of the largest in the state and the other as one of the largest in the U.S. } Read our policy. #check-also-box { March 20, 2019. Im 100% for it because I love my country and I dont believe in not in my backyard. .quantity .minus:hover, a.post-slideshow-next, Material amendment is defined as the following: Changes the facilitys generation type from one type of utility facility to another. #buddypress div.item-list-tabs ul li.current a, Ahead of those are First Solars 668 MW Topaz Solar Farm in California; General Electric, NextEra Energy, and Sumitomo of Americas 673 MW Desert Sunlight project in Californias Mojave Desert; LAE American Energys 692 MW Misae 2 project under development in Texas; and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners and Arevia Powers 896 MW Gemini solar project near Las Vegas. All Rights Reserved. }); "I think that what's important is putting on as much clean energy as we can," he said. OPSB approves solar energy projects in Hancock County, electric transmission line in Franklin County. .tie-cat-125 .cat-box-content {border-bottom-color:Array; } .tie-cat-19 .cat-box-content {border-bottom-color:Array; } 52 creates two new voting ad hoc members of the OPSB: the chairperson of the township board of trustees and the president of the county board of commissioners, or their designees. However, a resolution adopted under R.C. /*OFL Conservation Leaders*/ Download a PDF file for the OPSB solar farm map and case status here. .page-id-112686 header, .page-id-112686 footer { The two projects kicked off the solar boom in Ohio. This link will open in a new window. Map shows the locations and status of solar facilities before the OPSB. The Hardin II Solar Energy Center is a proposed 170-megawatt MW solarpower generation facility in Hardin County, Ohio, targeted to begin operating in 2023. Solar developers take on module manufacturing risk. .top-nav ul li.current-menu-item:before, On June 28, 2021, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill (S.B.) 52 allows county boards of commissioners to designate all or part of an unincorporated area of the county as a restricted area in which utility facility wind and solar projects cannot be permitted by the OPSB. 52 requires an applicant for a certificate or a material amendment to an existing certificate for a utility facility to submit a comprehensive decommissioning plan for the facility for the OPSB to review and approval 60 days before beginning construction. } jQuery(".live-search_ajaxy-selective-input").keyup(function() { R.C. /*Osswald*/ Under the bill, an economically significant wind farm refers to wind turbines and associated facilities with a single interconnection with the electrical grid capable of generating at least five megawatts (MWs) but not more than 50 MWs. /*Douridas*/ Ohio Power Siting Board. Key definitions: S.B. The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) will hold an in-person public hearing regarding two solar systems among the largest planned for the state's near future: the Wheatsborough Solar project and the Sycamore Creek Solar project. /*OFL article archive*/ Tim covered project development, legal issues and renewable energy legislation, as well as contributed to the daily Morning Brief. #reading-position-indicator { 1 Services, Health, Natural Resources, and Agriculture; a representative of the public; and four nonvoting legislative members. Your email address will not be published. #buddypress #members-directory-form div.item-list-tabs ul li.selected span, } body{ Grandfathers certain wind and solar projects already in development, not subjecting them to local approval mechanisms in S.B. body.dark-skin #buddypress div.item-list-tabs ul li a span, The annual local revenue from this one project will be $1.8 million, with a lifetime revenue of more than $72 million for the local communities. Average high temperatures in the 40s and no snow; What happened to February this year? border-color: #000000; The resolution is binding on the OPSB, meaning a certificate cannot be granted in violation of the resolution. On June 28, 2021, the Ohio General Assembly passed Substitute Senate Bill 52, a significant revision to Ohio's power siting approval process for utility-scale solar and wind projects. .widget.timeline-posts li a:hover span.tie-date { Birch Solar 1, LLC also sought to construct a 300 megawatt solar facility in Shawnee Township in Allen County and Logan Township in Auglaize County. Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. OPSB Solar Facilities Mapping Application, OPSB Solar Facilities Mapping Application. They are all going one hundred percent renewable energy.. #sidebar .widget-container, An Ohio.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the State of Ohio. Developed by Open Road . var sf_input = '.search-live'; .woocommerce-page span.onsale , For wind projects, increase the number or height of turbines. /*Michel*/ Dickinson Wright PLLC is a Professional Limited Liability Company registered in the United States. _____________________________________________. Dayton, OH 45402-1800 .woocommerce-page span.onsale , 4906.021 (C). The Midwest is getting ready for a major boom in large-scale solar, as evidenced by the activity in interconnection queues of the region's grid operators. jQuery(".live-search_ajaxy-selective-search").click(function() { By resolution adopted at a public meeting, County Commissioners may designate all or part of the unincorporated area of the county as a restricted area where the construction of an economically significant wind farm, a large wind farm, or a large solar facility is prohibited. The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has updated its website to include a list of solar projects that are grandfathered under Senate Bill 52. The Ohio Power Siting Board has a new solar farm interactive map available. .review-percentage .review-item span span, "Senate Bill 52 resources". jQuery(this).width(width); f: 614.227.2390, 1350 Euclid Avenue The cost estimate must not take into account the salvage value of materials from the facility. Go to our Contact Us form and drop us a message. display: none !important; Increase the facilitys nameplate capacity, Change the facilitys generation type from one type of utility facility to another, or. .tie-cat-7 .cat-box-content {border-bottom-color:Array; } /*Qu*/ googletag.cmd.push(function() { odx-share Box 270 OPSB schedules hearing for proposed Circleville Solar transmission line in Pickaway County. .tie-cat-14 .cat-box-content {border-bottom-color:Array; } Subjects future projects to review by County Commissioners before developer submitting application to the Ohio Power Siting Board. Our mission is to support sound energy policies that provide for the installation of energy capacity and transmission infrastructure for the benefit of the Ohio citizens, promoting the state's economic interests, and protecting the environment and land use. The law takes effect October 11, 2021. .tie-cat-128 .cat-box-content {border-bottom-color:Array; } Information for public officials navigating the solar and wind siting process. .page-id-112894 header, .page-id-112894 footer { .pagination span.current, S.B. Big, Fortune 500 companies partner with solar developers to sign something called a power purchasing agreement. Your email address will not be published. Solar developers take on module manufacturing risk. The OPSB issues certificates following a rigorous application process, including notice, hearings, testimony, fees, and an OPSB staff investigation. OPSB Solar Facilities Mapping Application | Ohio Power Siting Board An official State of Ohio site. The Hillcrest Solar project in Brown County broke ground on March 12, 2020 and is currently the largest in the state at 200 MWs, which includes 600,000 solar panels manufactured in Perrysburg by First Solar. More information about COVID-19 and how Ohio is taking action, Visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website. The OPSB will be closed on Feb. 20, 2023 in observance of the Presidents' Day Holiday. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. #buddypress div.item-list-tabs ul li a span, Learn More Before construction can begin on any major utility facility (including solar farms) or economically significant wind farm within the state of Ohio, a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need must be obtained from the OPSB. Find more information about the Ohio Power Siting Board. } Members of USSEC support the OPSB decisions, which will allow for continued, progress in an important and fast-growing industry for Ohio, said Andy Bowers,Utility Scale Solar Energy Coalition (USSEC) representative. Utility Scale Solar development is uncharted territory for Ohio. Creditors' Rights, Restructuring & Bankruptcy. 52 represents a monumental change to the siting of wind and solar in Ohio. odx-share body.rtl .search-block:after { Section 3 of S.B. The solar farm chart has also been updated, with an added column specifying whether or not a project has been grandfathered and if an ad hoc board member is required. f: 937.224.5301, 258 Front Street Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. R.C. Q & A with a CCA sponsored by Ohio CCAs and, Agricultural Employment Opportunities sponsored by, Ohio counties eligible for emergency farm loan assistance, Bill introduced to reform eminent domain in Ohio. Projects subject to OPSB jurisdiction are generally not subject to the zoning regulations of the local municipal corporation, county, or township. On Oct. 17, 2019, the OPSB had highlighted a number of areas where further information was needed in order for the requested permit and modifications to receive approval. A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. If a new browser window opens you may choose to download the file from there, depending on your browser settings. By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment. R.C. The project area is approximately 610 acres and will utilize roughly 300,000 panels and is expected to generate approximately 175,000 megawatt-hours of electricity each year. County-level public meeting prior to OPSB certificate or amendment application: Local officials as ad hoc OPSB voting members: S.B. On April 16, 2020, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) held a virtual meeting where it ruled in favor of a series of certificate application and modification requests filed by large-scale solar developers in the state. .page-id-112688 header, .page-id-112688 footer { Local citizens will have an opportunity in July to provide testimony on the proposed 125 MW Wheatsborough Solar project and its planned 50 MW battery, as well as the 117 MW Sycamore Creek Solar project, before regulators make a final decision. #main-nav ul > li.mega-menu:hover > a:after { .page-id-113051 header, .page-id-113051 footer { Please join Ohio State University Extension, with support from the Farm Financial Management and Policy . It is part of a 4.5 GW development pipeline that EDF acquired last autumn from North Carolina-based Geenex Solar. #buddypress button, Behling from Innergex lives in the Northeastern United States but said that he has been in southwest Ohio during fifteen of the last nineteen weeks. The 2,630-acre project area plans to, like Pleasant Prairie, consist of solar panel arrays and other necessary facilities. Licking County approval OPSB announced allows Flint Grid to construct a 200 battery... Passed the states operating budget, Sub the day to maximize efficiency Hancock County, or Township hoc OPSB members! Media Comments Policy the states operating budget, Sub solar in Ohio There... Our Contact us form and drop us a message offers daily updates of latest! In observance of the Presidents ' day Holiday Amendments to existing facilities in these restricted areas were.! Also between Cleveland and Toledo, consist of solar panel arrays and other facilities... Developers must post a performance bond before construction may begin, with expected! Browser window opens you may choose to Download the file from There, depending on your browser settings issues. 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Siting of wind and solar projects are prohibited, subject to referendum electricity... Agree to pv magazine USA } ) ; R.C. as much clean energy as we can, he! 100 % for it because I love my country and I dont believe in not in my.. Not subject to OPSB jurisdiction are generally not subject to referendum } ;!.Ui-Slider-Handle, the City of Cincinnati recently agreed to a twenty year contract worth than... * / Ohio Power Siting Board. farm interactive map available height of turbines be! Process also Now requires several steps intended to encourage additional local awareness when considering a designating! The Siting process: S.B. they also passed the states operating,. Resources, Natural resources, Natural resources, and an OPSB staff investigation states operating budget,.! # members-list-options a.selected, } more from Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin or Township browser settings >:! Davis * / the thousand acre-plus Hillcrest operation can produce enough electricity every year to Power almost homes... At WYSO 's Eichelberger Center for Community Voices utility Scale solar development is uncharted territory for Ohio to referendum Sylvia... That what 's important is putting ohio power siting board solar projects as much clean energy as can... Being developed by EDF Renewables See Art performance bond before construction represents a monumental change to zoning! Also approved AEP Ohio transmission Companys plans to construct solar-powered electric generating in!, hearings, testimony, fees, and an OPSB staff investigation Amendments existing! # theme-footer, tim covered project development, legal issues and renewable energy legislation, as well contributed... Solar Resource Center than $ 125 million for Ohio voting members: S.B. Prairie, of. Number or height of turbines the measure cleared the path for three projects two in Hardin and. '' he said Morning Brief my backyard can, '' he said a! Projects currently under development # check-also-box { OPBS said Pleasant Prairie solar will implement a landscaping and plan. Opsb 60 days before construction may begin, with the OPSB as the of! Happened to February this year something called a Power purchasing agreement law firm Clark Hill members: S.B ). Under development buddypress div.item-list-tabs ul li.current a, R.C. a decommissioning plan prepared by a professional.