Massive solar + storage project approved for construction in Ohio
By Billy Ludt | March 25, 2024
Last week, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved construction of the 800-MW Oak Run Solar Project, which will include 300 MW of battery storage and construction of other regional transmission equipment.
The Oak Run Solar Project will be composed of four single-axis tracking solar arrays to be built in Monroe, Somerford and Deercreek townships in Madison County, Ohio. Oak Run Solar Project, LLC, the project developer, will build access roads, an operations and maintenance building, underground and overhead electric collection lines, weather stations, inverters and transformers and a collection substation. The project will occupy approximately 4,400 acres within a 6,050-acre project area.
The OPSB approved 46 conditions agreed upon by Oak Run Solar Project, the OPSB staff and intervenors, including the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 683, and the Ohio Environmental Council. Oak Run Solar Project must adhere to these conditions to minimize and mitigate potential impacts during the construction and operation of the facility.
“As an IBEW member and Local Business Manager, I take pride knowing that the work of our members will empower the local economy in such a significant way. Oak Run will provide hundreds of good-paying middle-class jobs to our members who are prepared and eager to work on such a cutting-edge project,” said Pat Hook, Local 683 business manager.
Oak Run must install agricultural style perimeter fencing; implement setbacks of 150 ft to roadways and non-participating property boundaries and 300 ft to non‑participating homes; and post a decommissioning bond estimated at $33,334,643 for the solar facility and $11,260,228 for the battery energy storage facility.
Oak Run Solar Project plans to implement an agrivoltaic program for planting crops and grazing livestock in the rows between solar panels and along the perimeter of the project. The agrivoltaic program will be the nation’s largest and a first of its kind utility-scale solar energy plan for livestock grazing and row crops, the OPSB stated in a press release.
According to the project’s conditions, after the first year of operation, Oak Run Solar Project must graze at least 1,000 sheep and 2,000 crop acres, and within eight years of operation, at least 70% of the farmable project area, or 4,000 crop acres, must include agrivoltaics. Local farmers and businesses are expected to contract with and benefit from the project, generating income and entrepreneurial opportunities for the area. Other project related economic benefits include $8.2 million in annual revenue for local governments and schools and the creation of an expected 1,500 construction jobs and maintenance positions for workers in and around Madison County.
“As Ohio’s solar industry continues to grow, IBEW will continue to support these good-paying energy sector jobs that are building a brighter future for Ohio,” said Aaron Brown, renewable energy and government affairs representative for IBEW’s 4th District. “We are diversifying our grid and powering our communities. Solar energy is proving to be a tremendous shot in the arm for many rural Ohio communities, and it’s exciting to be a part of this progress.”