Carnation Solar
The Carnation Solar Project is an up to 142 megawatt (MW) solar energy project located in Amanda Township, Fairfield County, Ohio being developed by Carnation Solar, LLC (“Carnation Solar”), a subsidiary of National Grid Renewables Development, LLC. The Carnation Solar Project would include various equipment, including, without limitation, solar panels, inverters, and a project substation, all of sufficient size and capacity to achieve up to the proposed nameplate capacity. The purpose of the Carnation Solar Project will be to generate and deliver electricity to the bulk transmission system.
Spanning approximately 1,700 acres, the project will be connected to the Harrison – Good Hope 138 KV Line. Carnation Solar is anticipated to positively impact the environment as well as the local economy by producing tax revenue, jobs, and contributions through a charitable fund. The Project is also estimated to avoid approximately 197,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually during operations – the equivalent of taking an estimated 43,000 cars off the road every year.
Current Status
Carnation Solar anticipates filing its application for the Carnation Solar Project with the Ohio Power Siting Board (“OPSB”) in January 2025. Construction of the Carnation Solar Project is scheduled to commence as early as 2026. The Carnation Solar Project is scheduled to be in service as early as 2027.
Public Information Meeting 1
Carnation Solar is holding its first public information meeting regarding the Carnation Solar Project on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the cafeteria/auditorium of the Amanda-Clearcreek High School, 328 E. Main Street, Amanda, Ohio 43102. The purpose of this meeting is to notify the public about the Project and solicit input on the scope of the Project.
The Public Information Meeting will be held in an open house format. Representatives from the Project, including many subject matter experts, will be available for one-on-one conversation. Information about the Project developer, facility location, construction process, environmental studies, and economic benefits of the project will be provided at various stations at the meeting location. Written comments from the public will be collected at the meeting and considered in the preparation of the application to the OPSB. In addition, Staff from the OPSB will be present to answer questions about the OPSB permitting process.
Public Information Meeting 2
Once the date, time, and location of the second public information meeting are finalized, Carnation Solar will update this webpage. The purpose of the second public information meeting will be to present the Carnation Solar Project to the public in a manner consistent with what will be presented in the application to the OPSB.
Ohio Power Siting Board Process
Under Ohio Law, electric generating facilities capable of producing 50 MW or more must apply for a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need from the OPSB. The OPSB provides for a single unified process by which applicants can obtain a certificate to construct and operate an electric generating facility.
The OPSB certification process includes public information meetings, submittal of a certificate application (R.C. 4906.06), 60-day staff completeness review, application acceptance, OPSB staff review and recommendation, a public hearing (R.C. 4906.07), an adjudicatory hearing, and certificate issuance or denial (R.C. 4906.10). There are various avenues for public participation throughout the permitting process. This includes commenting on the docket and attending public hearings. Additionally, persons who desire to intervene in the OPSB proceeding may do so in accordance with Ohio Adm. Code 4906-2-12.
Anticipated Waiver Requests
Based on the information currently available, Carnation Solar anticipates requesting partial waivers of Ohio Adm.Code 4906-4-08(D)(3) (reduced study area for landmarks) and Ohio Adm.Code 4906-4-08(D)(6) (reduced study area for visual impacts) when it files its application with the OPSB. Carnation Solar may request additional waivers, if necessary.
More Information
There are various avenues for public participation throughout the permitting process. You can sign up to receive electronic notifications about this proceeding directly from the OPSB, by either subscribing to OPSB news releases, or subscribing to the OPSB case (Case No. 24-881-EL-BGN) at dis.puc.state.oh.us. More information can be found via the OPSB website. If you have questions regarding the OPSB process or public participation, you can contact the OPSB directly:
Address: Ohio Power Siting Board 180 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (866) 270-6772
E-mail: [email protected]
OPSB website: opsb.ohio.gov
Project Benefits
*Calculations estimated based on National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) JEDI Model and current state tax law for solar facilities. Subject to change.
Anticipated Commercial Operation Date
Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence as early as 2026. The Carnation Solar Project is scheduled to be in service as early as 2027.