Ohio Power Siting Board approves solar farm amidst pandemic

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has taken action to continue business during the declared emergency related to the coronavirus pandemic. On April 16, 2020, the OPSB approved three utility-scale solar projects following a delay demanded due to the OPSB’s request for further review.

In approving the 80-megawatt Nestlewood Solar Project, the OPSB stated, “adequate data on the proposed generation facility has been provided to make the applicable determinations required” under Ohio law. Last fall, the OPSB had deferred consideration of the project’s application proposal to develop and construct a solar-powered electric generation facility in Brown and Clermont counties. The project will cover 464 acres in a 610-acre project area, and includes a switchyard and 69-kilovolt electric transmission line.

Additionally, the OPSB approved altering the location of some of the solar panel arrays in two solar facilities previously approved in Hardin County. The projects, with a combined output of more than 300 megawatts, were initially approved back in May 2019.