Spark Alerts: Feb 28, 2025

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on utility-scale solar news and policy updates in Illinois and Texas. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Illinois

• Carbondale Approves 3.6 Megawatt Solar Farm Application
  Developer: East Walnut Street Community Energy Initiative
  AHJ: City of Carbondale
  February 25, 2025: The Carbondale City Council approved a Special Use Permit for the East Walnut Street Community Energy Initiative LLC to establish a 3.6 Megawatt solar farm located in the LI - Light Industrial zoning district. The approval includes specific conditions, such as submitting an executed Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement before proceeding with construction.
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• Solar Farm on Pleasant Ridge Turned Down By Madison County Board
  Developer: Amoracia Solar
  AHJ: Madison County
  February 25, 2025: The Madison County Board recently voted against a proposed solar farm on Pleasant Ridge. The land was previously zoned agricultural, but had recently been rezoned into a residential area. Amoracia Solar appealed the decision with the Board, arguing there was no legal basis to the denial, but the denial was upheld.
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• Senator Rezin Gives Congressional Update on Renewable Energy
  February 26, 2025: In a recent update, State Senator Sue Rezin (R-38) discussed energy initiatives in Illinois. She stated that while solar and wind are important, they cannot sufficiently support the energy demands from growing sectors like AI and manufacturing, and indicated a greater focus on small modular nuclear power in the coming years.
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• Pending Zoning Petitions Overview
  AHJ: Kane County
  February 27, 2025: Kane County has a pending ordinance revision introduced on February 25, outlining specific requirements for solar projects in the county. This includes requirements for SUP applications, operations, and decommissioning plans.

Texas

• Austin Secures Funding for Solar for All Program
  AHJ: City of Austin
  February 27, 2025: The City of Austin is set to receive a grant of $31.5 million from the EPA for its Solar for All Program, aimed at increasing community solar projects. Austin is also committed to achieving carbon-free electricity by 2035 and is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040.
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• County officials address concerns, limitations on solar farm project
  Developer: Pine Gate Renewables
  AHJ: Bandera County
  February 26, 2025: During a recent commissioner’s court meeting, Bandera County officials addressed concerns surrounding the 1,043-acre Rio Lago Solar Project. Despite local opposition, officials clarified that state law does not grant them the authority to stop the projects. The county has attempted to work with Pine Gate Renewables on community concerns; however, questions remain regarding the project's environmental impacts and regulatory oversight.
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• Cypress Creek Renewables and Meta sign 396MWac renewable energy agreement in Texas
  Developer: Cypress Creek Renewables
  AHJ: Coleman County, TX
  February 26, 2025: Cypress Creek Renewables and Meta have entered into an Environmental Attribute Purchase Agreement, under which Cypress will build a 505 MWdc solar facility in Coleman County, Texas. The construction of the facility is set to begin later in the year, with operations anticipated to start in 2027.
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• SMT Energy Secures US$135 Million for 320 MWH Battery in Houston
  Developer: SMT Energy
  AHJ: Houston, TX
  February 26, 2025: SMT Energy secured US$135 million in funding for a new 320 MWh battery energy storage facility in Houston, Texas. The project is set to begin operations in the second quarter of 2026.
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• County commissioners consider tax abatement for solar energy project
  Developer: Enbridge
  AHJ: Wilson County, TX
  February 26, 2025: The Wilson County Commissioners met to discuss various matters, including a proposed tax abatement for a 5,500-acre solar energy project. The County approved to consult with outside counsel on the abatement.

📢 Policy & Programs

Illinois

• HB3758/SB2497- BATTERY STORAGE

  • Would set 15-GW energy storage target and set up a state VPP program.

  • Introduced 2/18, referred to House Rules Committee

• HB1834- SELF-DIRECT ENERGY CREDITS

  • Would remove the requirement for the Illinois Power Agency to annually determine the amount of utility-scale RECs it will include each year from the self-direct RPS compliance program. Provides that the self-direct credit amount for each REC supplied shall be determined annually and is equal to the volumetric charge collected under a provision in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the approved self-direct credit amount shall be multiplied by each renewable energy credit procured by participating self-direct customers for up to 100% of the self-direct customer's annual consumption.

  • Introduced 1/29, referred to Rules Committee.

  • UPDATE- moved to Public Utilities Committee on 2/25.

• SB2387- AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSERVATION ACT

  • Would pay lessees for any agricultural land removed from production to develope a solar farm.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/7, referred to Assignments Committee.

  • UPDATE- added new co-sponsor Sen. Patrick J. Joyce on 2/26.

Texas

• HJR157- Ad Valorem Exemption for Onsite Generation

  • Proposed constitutional amendment exempting from ad valorem taxation the appraised value of real property that arises from the installation or construction of a generator primarily for on-site energy use.

  • Filed in House 2/26.

• SB1692- Solar/Wind Capacity Limitations

  • Sets a capacity limit on solar and wind generation in ERCOT, at 35% of total ERCOT generation capacity.

  • Filed in Senate 2/27.

• HB3278- Solar Energy Study

  • Establishes a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on solar and wind’s environmental, economic, and infrastructure implications.

  • Filed in House 2/25.

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