Sycamore Creek Solar Project
The Sycamore Creek Solar Project (Sycamore) is an up to 117 megawatt (MW) solar development located in Crawford County, Ohio. Sycamore will span approximately 1,000 acres and will be connected to the electric grid via a new substation adjacent to the existing Howard to Chatfield 138 kV transmission line. The project is anticipated to positively impact the local economy by producing significant tax revenue, short and long term jobs, and annual contributions through a charitable fund. Sycamore is estimated to offset approximately 158,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually during operations – the equivalent of taking an estimated 34,000 cars off the road every year.
Public Participation and the Permitting 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 Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). This process provides for a single unified process by which facilities can obtain a certificate to operate. Generally speaking, the OPSB process includes a public informational meeting, submittal of certificate application, 60-day staff completeness review, application acceptance, OPSB Staff Review and Recommendation, public hearing, adjudicatory hearing, and certificate issuance/denial. The Project docket (link listed above) is the best way to stay informed about the Project, and a PDF of the certificate application will be available there upon submission. To request a paper copy of the application (production costs will be assessed), please contact Sycamore Creek Solar directly. Paper application copies will also be available at to-be-determined public locations near the Project site.
Notice of Public Information Meeting
Sycamore Creek Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of National Grid Renewables, formerly Geronimo Energy, will schedule a Public Information meeting in the near future to outline plans to build the Sycamore Creek Solar Project. The proposed Facility is located in Crawford County, Ohio and will have a maximum total generating capacity of 117 megawatts. The general purpose of the Facility is to maximize energy production from solar resources in order to deliver clean, renewable electricity to the Ohio transmission system to serve the needs of electric utilities and their customers. Construction of the Project is anticipated to begin as early as the fourth quarter of 2021 with commercial operations beginning as early as the fourth quarter of 2022.
Due to the ongoing public health crisis, the public information meeting will be held remotely on January 26, 2021, beginning at 6:00 pm EST. A video recording of the presentation will be posted to the website following the meeting. Comments will be solicited live during the meeting and can also be submitted following the meeting. If you have questions, would like to obtain paper copies of presentation materials, or to comment via mail, please call Sycamore Creek at 567-249-0735.
If you do not have access to the internet, and would like to learn more about the Project, an alternative call-in based meeting will be held on January 26th at 8:00 PM. At the time of the phone-based meeting, please call (408) 650-3123 and enter Access Code 815-821-653.
More Information
There are various other avenues for public participation throughout the permitting process. 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
[email protected]
Please Contact Us for More Information:
PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
| Operational Capacity | 117 MW |
|---|---|
| Location | Crawford County, Ohio |
| Anticipated Commerical Operation Date | December 31, 2022 |
| Annual Carbon Dioxide Emissions Offset | ~158,500 metric tons |
| Annual Local Tax Revenue Generated | ~$819,000* |
| Project Email | [email protected] |
| Project Phone Number | 567-249-0735 |
| Ohio Power Siting Board Docket Number | 20-1762-EL-BGN |
| Ohio Power Siting Board Docket Link | View Docket > |
*Calculations estimated based on National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) JEDI Model and current state tax law for solar facilities. Subject to change.
ABOUT National Grid Renewables
National Grid Renewables is a leading North American renewable energy company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with satellite offices located throughout multiple states in the regions where it develops, constructs, and operates renewable energy projects. As a farmer-friendly and community focused company, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable future. National Grid Renewables is part of the National Grid Ventures division of National Grid and has a portfolio of solar, wind, and energy storage projects located throughout the United States in various stages of development, construction and operation.