Solar

Another solar project breaks ground in a red Ohio district

Another solar project breaks ground in a red Ohio district
(Courtesy: National Grid Renewables)

It isn’t always easy to get shovels in the ground in Ohio, one of the most contentious states for renewable energy development. Many of the projects approved since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act have come through the state’s 9th Congressional District, represented by Democrat Marcy Kaptur, in northwest Ohio butting up to the Michigan border. That makes sense, considering the swell of activity in the Great Lakes Region and the proximity to big automakers like General Motors.

But clean energy is coming to other parts of the state too, and not just in the blue-leaning places you might expect.

Republican Brad Wenstrup’s 2nd Congressional District in southern Ohio stands out as particularly active. Wenstrup was elected to a redrawn 2nd Congressional District in 2012 after upsetting incumbent Republican U.S. Congresswoman Jean Schmidt. Endorsed by Ohio Tea Party groups, Wenstrup has held the position since, earning nearly 75% of the vote in 2022. He is not running for re-election this year.

On the “Energy Priorities” section of his website, which may not have been updated anytime recently, Wenstrup says the U.S. should be guided by an “all-of-the-above” energy policy that “maximizes our resources and promises safe, secure, and affordable American energy.”

“Our energy policy should meet the twin goals of reducing pollution and promoting a healthy environment, while also enabling our economy to thrive and keeping costs low for American consumers,” the page continues. “These priorities are not mutually exclusive, and I believe we should strive to meet them together.”

National Grid Renewables and EPC partner Kiewit Power Constructors seem to have cracked the nut in that part of Buckeye country, recently starting construction on four projects in Wenstrup’s district, including Dodson Creek Solar, which broke ground Thursday in Highland County.

Once operational in mid-2025, Dodson Creek Solar will deliver 117 megawatts (MW) to the PJM market. It will provide an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefit to the local community and approximately 200 construction jobs.

“This project is the next chapter in our commitment to helping communities across Ohio realize the economic benefits of the clean energy transition,” said Joe Ibrahim, National Grid Renewables vice president of construction and engineering.

Solar in southern Ohio

Dodson Creek is National Grid Renewables’ second endeavor in Highland County, following the 47.5 MW Fayette Solar Project, which broke ground in November alongside the 120 MW Ross County Solar Project, just to the east in (you guessed it) Ross County. Fayette Solar will span approximately 450 acres up into Fayette County, connecting to the electric grid via the existing Greenfield Substation.

A map of Ohio Congressional Districts and counties to help keep all this geography straight. Courtesy: Ohio Secretary of State

Yellowbud Solar, National Grid Renewables’ other project in Rep. Wenstrup’s district, is already operational. The first and largest project in the company’s Ohio portfolio, Yellowbud is a 274 MW solar farm in Ross and Pickaway Counties with a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Amazon.

“Amazon is deeply committed to the state of Ohio, where we’re investing in and scaling new renewable energy projects like Yellowbud that will help power our operations with 100% renewable energy, while also bringing new jobs, economic benefits, and new sources of clean energy to local communities,” said Amazon head of energy, water, and sustainability, Nat Sahlstrom. “We’re eager to continue contributing to Ohio’s economic and environmental goals as part of Amazon’s commitment to become a more sustainable business.”

The four project portfolio represents a total of 558.5 MW of clean energy generation. Each will utilize solar modules developed and produced by First Solar at its nearby Toledo, Ohio manufacturing facility.

“There is real momentum driving the growth of solar in Ohio today, First Solar’s home state,” stated Darin Green, senior director at First Solar. “We are proud to be supporting National Grid Renewables with American-made Series 7 modules, manufactured about 3.5 hours away from the Dodson Creek site, as they continue to prominently contribute to Ohio’s sustainable energy future. We are certain Dodson Creek will be a great addition to the state.”

First Solar exited 2023 with 6 GW of annual US nameplate capacity. In addition to expanding its Ohio footprint to over 7 GW of annual nameplate capacity this year, First Solar expects to invest over $2 billion in new manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, expected to come online this year and next, respectively.