OEC Celebrates OPSB Approval of Largest Solar Project in Ohio History, Oak Run Solar

Ohio Environmental Council, March 21, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 21, 2024

CONTACT:
Emily Bacha
ebacha@theoec.org, 614-4875837

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) applauds the Ohio Power Siting Board’s (OPSB) approval of Oak Run Solar — the largest solar power generation facility approved in Ohio to date. With proposed 800 megawatts of solar generation and a 300 megawatt battery energy storage system, this project takes a huge step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ohio.

The OEC joined this case as an intervening party and provided expert testimony from Dr. Jeffrey Reutter, retired director of The Ohio State University’s Ohio Sea Grant College Program and Stone Lab, explaining the benefits this project provides to mitigating climate change and harmful stormwater runoff. Dr. Reutter estimates nutrient and soil runoff will be cut by 50% based on the vegetation management practices planned for the project site.

The project is also the largest agrivoltaic project in Ohio history. Not only does Oak Run Solar take an innovative approach to energy production, it also contributes to agricultural innovation by dedicating 6,000 acres on the Central Ohio project site to growing commercial crops between the solar panel rows. The Ohio Environmental Council is happy to see this important project for Ohio’s public interest move forward.

The following quote can be attributed to Nolan Rutschilling, OEC Managing Director of Energy Policy:

“The Ohio Power Siting Board’s decision to approve Oak Run Solar is a huge win for clean renewable energy in our state. Oak Run Solar is a testament to Ohio’s legacy of working at the forefront of innovation, this time on tackling climate change. The OPSB’s approval of Oak Run Solar will bring innovative energy and agriculture solutions to Ohio. Utility scale solar and battery energy storage are critical components of achieving Ohio’s clean energy future. As climate change continues to disrupt Ohio’s agriculture practices and yields, the practice of agriculture in tandem with solar panels represents a unique and bold opportunity to act on climate. We look forward to these innovations the Oak Run project will bring to Ohio.”