Ohio Power Siting Board Approves Frasier Solar Project in Knox County

The Ohio Power Siting Board has officially approved the Frasier Solar project, which will be developed in Miller and Clinton townships. This decision was made during a meeting in Columbus on Thursday, with the board voting 8-1 in favor of the project.

After more than a year of anticipation following public hearings held in the spring of 2024, the board took just two minutes to approve the 120-megawatt solar power generation facility. Knox County Commissioner Bill Pursel expressed his support for the board’s decision, while Galen Smith, the representative for Clinton and Miller townships, cast the only dissenting vote, citing opposition from local residents to the project.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture representative acknowledged support for the project, but raised concerns about its potential impact on agricultural land in designated agricultural districts. The board comprises members from various Ohio departments, including Agriculture, Development, Health, Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Public Utilities Commission, along with a county commissioner and a township representative due to the project being grandfathered under Senate Bill 32.

Ben Dean from Preserve Knox County commented on the decision, noting it was expected given the lack of unanimous opposition from local elected officials. He highlighted the decisive impact that unanimous opposition can have, referencing the withdrawal of the Grange Solar Project in Logan County when the OPSB staff recommended denial. Dean indicated that Preserve Knox County would file an appeal, representing landowners and residents opposing the project. Interested parties have 30 days to appeal the board’s decision, with further appeals potentially reaching the Ohio Supreme Court.

Craig Adair, vice president of development at Open Road Renewables, expressed excitement about the project’s approval, emphasizing its commitment to collaborating with farmers and local officials to bring long-term benefits to the community. He highlighted job creation, stable income for farmers, and increased revenue for local schools and services as key outcomes of the project. Adair praised the OPSB for its thorough evaluation amidst misinformation campaigns regarding solar development in the area.

The Frasier Solar project is set to cover approximately 840 acres within a 1,395-acre area and will include access roads, electric collection lines, weather stations, inverters, transformers, and a collector substation. The OPSB has mandated 62 conditions to mitigate potential impacts during both construction and operation, including agricultural-style perimeter fencing, specific setbacks from non-participating properties, and a decommissioning bond to ensure facility removal after its lifespan.

Once operational, the project is projected to generate up to $42.8 million in revenue for the local community, including approximately $19.4 million for the Mount Vernon City School District and up to $1.1 million annually for various Knox County taxing jurisdictions. Additionally, Frasier Solar has entered into an agreement with New Slate Land Management for sheep grazing as a method of vegetation management, which will support local sheep farmers and preserve the agricultural character of Knox County.

As Ohio faces increasing energy demands, with forecasts indicating that power requirements in central Ohio may double by 2028, this solar project aims to contribute to the state’s energy needs. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce and several unions have endorsed the project, recognizing its importance in meeting future energy challenges.

In addition to the Frasier Solar project approval, the OPSB also approved requests for the New Market Solar Project in Highland County and the Emerson Creek Wind Project in Erie and Huron counties. More information can be found on the OPSB website.