Spark Alerts: Jan 5, 2025

The latest Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates at your fingertips

January 05, 2025

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on the Illinois, Maryland, and Ohio markets. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback and requests with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Maryland

Carroll County

Chaberton Energy is holding public hearings for three solar facilities (2.67 MW, 3.24 MW, and 5 MW) in Carroll, Queen Anne's, and Frederick Counties. The hearings are required to obtain Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Public Service Commission.

Montgomery County

DUE January 8, 2025: Maryland announces grant funding program to support planning and installation of solar arrays on public facilities.

Frederick County

December 4, 2024: Residents near the proposed 49-acre Chaberton Solar Wild Turkey facility expressed concerns over visual impact, property values, and farmland loss. Further evidentiary hearing scheduled for December 16.

Garrett County

December 17, 2024: Leigh Friend Solar Project, a 3.2 MW community solar initiative, announces plans to power approximately 405 homes annually in Garrett County.

Garrett and Allegany Counties

December 20, 2024: Jade Meadow III LLC submits application for 300 MW solar facility spanning Garrett and Allegany Counties as part of Maryland's expanding renewable energy infrastructure.

Wicomico County

December 12, 2024: Econox Renewables requests one-year extension for previously approved minor solar project at Hobbs Road and Mt. Hermon Road intersection.

Baltimore County

December 2, 2024: MD Solar 6000, LLC seeks special exception for solar facility near Freeland Rd. and Harris Rd. Public hearing scheduled for December 2.

Cambridge

December 18, 2024: Cambridge City Council approves new solar ordinance allowing small-scale and community solar on wooded lots. Council discusses exempting community solar from 350-acre installation cap.

Illinois

Cook County (Chicago)

January 4, 2025: Chicago's municipal government has successfully transitioned to running entirely on renewable energy, making it the largest U.S. city to achieve this milestone. This shift was made possible through a combination of purchasing wind and solar power, along with energy efficiency measures.

Ohio

Madison County

December 12, 2024: 577 MW Fox Squirrel Solar Project outlines decommissioning plan with estimated $23M cost offset by $19M in salvage value. Facility expected to operate 20-40 years with financial assurances in place.

Madison County

December 20, 2024: Savion's 800 MW Oak Run Solar Project faces opposition from township boards and residents concerned about farmland impact. Project value estimated at $1 billion.

Madison County

December 29, 2024: Ohio Power Siting Board approves 800 MW Oak Run Solar Project with 300 MW battery storage and two 230kV transmission lines in Monroe, Somerford, and Deercreek Townships.

Highland County

December 22, 2024: Ohio Power Siting Board grants certificate to Palomino Solar for 200 MW facility in Dodson and Union townships following community engagement process.

Highland County

December 20, 2024: New Market Solar Two receives verification certificate while Highland Solar begins operations. Willowbrook and Dodson Creek projects address setback requirements and infrastructure repairs.

Fulton County

December 9, 2024: CG Fulton County LLC schedules second public meeting for December 17 regarding 199 MW solar project across 1,700 acres. Construction planned 2026-2027.

Morrow County

December 19, 2024: Public hearing scheduled January 29, 2025, to discuss potential restrictions on utility-scale wind and solar projects in Perry Township under HB52 legislation.

Cuyahoga County

County seeks suppliers for 63 MW solar project with 10 MW battery storage across six brownfield sites. $130M EPA grant project targets completion by October 2029.

Erie County

December 5, 2024: Commissioners discuss Wheatsborough Solar TIF Agreement providing $50,000 annually for economic development, extend deadline for final agreement.

Logan County

December 22, 2024: 280 MW Fountain Point Solar receives environmental compatibility certificate amid public opposition and community group interventions.

Franklin County

December 20, 2024: Document outlines SB 52's impact on county authority over wind and solar projects, highlighting tax incentives and growing local opposition challenges.

Liberty Township

January 7, 2025: TGE Solar LLC requests variance for 72 ground-mounted solar panels in residential front yard. Board hearing scheduled for January 14.

Miami Township

December 17, 2024: Ohio Farm Bureau Federation presents on community solar regulations as township considers zoning amendments for community-scale projects.

Appalachian Ohio

December 21, 2024: AEP proposes 400 MW solar farm promising 4,000 construction jobs, faces regulatory challenges over utility asset ownership.

📋 RFP Opportunities

Illinois

Nothing new, but we will continue to monitor Illinois Power Agency RFPs

Maryland

Not immediately relevant, but Montgomery County held an RFP for solar projects on municipal parking garages in late 2024 and rejected all the proposals.

Ohio

Miami University in Oxford, Ohio has a Request for Qualification for an RFP on 03/04/35 at 2:00pm. The RFP is to “install an array of solar panels in a large field”.

📢 Policy & Program Updates

Illinois

January 3, 2024: Illinois aims to maintain clean energy momentum through CEJA and local policies despite federal uncertainty, focusing on carbon reduction and renewable energy expansion.

Ohio

A symbolic gesture or Trojan horse? Ohio groups question purpose of 'green' nuclear bill
January 2, 2025: HB308 passes, classifying nuclear as "green" energy, sparking concerns about potential greenwashing and impact on renewable energy funding.

Top Ohio Republicans quietly crafting a new plan for 'more energy creation' 
January 2, 2025: State Republicans develop comprehensive energy plan focusing on nuclear, renewable, and natural gas expansion to boost energy independence and investment.

Solar industry thought leaders predict the future
December 30, 2024: Industry experts anticipate passage of HB197 in 2025, which would establish Ohio's community solar program.

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