03/22/2024

Ohio to Welcome One of Country’s Largest Solar Farms

Some Madison County officials opposed to the initiative

Madison County will soon welcome one of the country's largest solar farms, but some local officials aren’t happy about the project.

Savion, a solar and energy storage company, submitted a project application to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) in 2022. It proposed an 800-megawatt solar-powered generating facility and 300-megawatt battery storage facility occupying about 4,400 acres along State Route 29. The property, owned in part by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, spreads across Deercreek, Monroe and Somerford townships. At a March 21 OPSB meeting, the board gave Savion the go-ahead to move forward with the Oak Run Solar Project.

Despite OPSB staffers recommending the board approve the project application, some local entities expressed hesitation. The Madison County Board of Commissioners decided against the project in 2022 in a two to one vote. Deercreek, Monroe and Somerford townships have also opposed it. During a meeting to approve the project, two local officials spoke against the solar farm.

Please select this link to read the complete article from NBC4 WCMH-TV.