KEY POINTS
-
The Ohio Power Siting Board granted an environmental certificate for Eastern Cottontail Solar’s 220-MW facility in Walnut Township, Fairfield County, clearing the project to start.
-
Project features include photovoltaic panels and supporting infrastructure such as access roads, underground collection lines, inverters, and a new substation.
-
Construction must comply with dozens of conditions, including fencing, setbacks, and decommissioning requirements.
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) issued a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need last week for a 220-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility in Fairfield County.
The certificate clears the way for construction to start.
The Central Ohio project, developed by Eastern Cottontail Solar, is planned for up to 1,550 acres of privately owned land in the county, which is located within the Columbus metropolitan area.
The solar facility is designed to supply electricity directly to the regional transmission system. Features include photovoltaic panels and supporting infrastructure such as access roads, underground collection lines, inverters, and a new substation.
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) issued a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need for a 220-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility in Fairfield County, shown on this map. Image: Eastern Cotton Tail Solar
Conditions for Construction
The environmental certificate gives the project a green light but requires compliance with conditions. A total of 64 conditions were attached and are intended to lessen community and environmental impacts.
Among conditions:
-
Agricultural-style perimeter fencing designed to preserve rural character.
-
Setbacks of 50 feet from nonparticipating property lines and 300 feet from residences.
-
A decommissioning bond will ensure proper removal and land restoration when the facility is retired.
Power in Demand, But Lines are Aging
The solar project approval comes as power demand is surging. ConstructConnect reported that after a decade of modest 0.5% annual growth in power use, electricity demand is projected to accelerate, rising 2.5% annually through 2035 according to Bank of America, and up to 3.5% through 2040 according to McKinsey.
While electricity usage is expected to grow, it’s being transmitted on an aging infrastructure. ConstructConnect reported that nearly one-third of US transmission lines and almost half of all distribution equipment are already at or beyond their expected lifespan.
Local Economic Impact
Officials from developer EDF Power Solutions said that the energy project is expected to create about 500 direct jobs and 270 indirect jobs. Up to $80 million in long-term revenue is expected to be generated, supporting local schools, public safety, and services in Fairfield County.
Stay Connected
The Eastern Cottontail Solar project highlights Ohio’s investment in utility-scale renewable energy. It may create opportunities for contractors and suppliers across the construction supply chain, such as site grading, civil works, and electrical.
Project details, such as a projected construction start date, have not been released.
Stay connected with ConstructConnect News for coverage of energy projects and construction opportunities.
About ConstructConnect
At ConstructConnect, our software solutions provide the information construction professionals need to start every project on a solid foundation. For more than 100 years, our insights and market intelligence have empowered commercial firms, manufacturers, trade contractors, and architects to make data-driven decisions and maximize productivity.
ConstructConnect is a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), part of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000.
For more information, visit constructconnect.com
