The Ohio Power Site Selection Committee approved the 120 MW Fraser Solar Project located in Knox County, Ohio on Thursday.
The approval of the Fraser solar project today is a turning point for the clean energy future of Knox County and even Ohio. The decision of the Ohio Power Site Selection Committee comes at a time when the demand for the power grid continues to grow and Ohio leaders are concerned about insufficient energy supply in the state, "said Karin Nordstrom, a clean energy lawyer at the Ohio Environment Commission.
Frasier's developer, EPC, and operator, Open Road Renewables, submitted a project proposal to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission in October 2023. According to the project brief, Open Road will construct the array on approximately 840 acres of land in Clinton and Miller towns.
The array will adopt a single axis solar tracker project and require additional construction of public facilities such as transmission lines and channels. This project will integrate agricultural photovoltaic practices, including grazing sheep and planting local plants on site.
Through Fraser's construction and operation, the local community is expected to receive investments in schools and public services.
Nordstrom said, "Through projects such as Fraser Solar, Ohio is taking a bold step towards reducing air pollution and addressing climate change, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for future generations