State officials last week rejected the application to build a $98 million solar farm in Morrow County, marking the seventh large-scale solar facility denied approval in Ohio since 2020.
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) determined the 726-acre array failed to meet the requirement of serving the “public interest, convenience and necessity” due to opposition from some local township trustees and county commissioners. This outcome reflects a pattern in similar rejections, where the OPSB did not cite technical, environmental, or engineering faults with the project.
The OPSB reviews permit applications to decide where power projects can be built. The ruling highlights a challenging environment for renewable energy investment in Ohio, divisions within rural communities, and the power local governments have to block solar projects.
Open Road Renewables, the developer, has been working on the Crossroads Solar project since 2019. Company Vice President Craig Adair stated that Ohio’s laws create a situation where power siting decisions are based on “popularity contests,” susceptible to negative public comments – and, in some cases, what the company alleges were “fabricated” ones – and the influence of local trustees.
Open Road Renewables plans to appeal the decision. However, Adair indicated the company will not pursue latest projects in Ohio until state renewable energy laws change, stating, “This is no longer a good business proposition.” The company has already built eight solar farms in Ohio, representing $1 billion in capital investment.
The company can request a formal rehearing from the OPSB and appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court. The planned facility would have generated 94 megawatts of power, enough to power tens of thousands of Ohio homes, and would have contributed approximately $1 million annually to the local economy, in addition to $250,000 in property tax revenue.
The decision also impacts landowners who had agreements to host solar panels on their farmland. Adair emphasized the difficult position of farmers, stating, “The story and the real concern here is farmers who are being squeezed from every side, they made the hard decision to lease their land for solar.”
A public hearing in Cardington, Ohio, revealed a divided community, with 52 individuals testifying – 21 in support and 31 opposed. Supporters cited landowner rights, the need for new energy development, and economic benefits. Opponents raised concerns about property values, aesthetics, loss of farmland, and unsubstantiated health and environmental risks.
Republican lawmakers Rep. Riordan McClain, and Sen. Bill Reineke urged the OPSB to reject the project, citing potential negative impacts. Three Democratic lawmakers and several Ohio residents endorsed the project, with one resident, Alice Petersen of Toledo, pointing out the disparity in local control between renewable and fossil fuel projects.
Nolan Rutschilling, managing director of energy policy for the Ohio Environmental Council, noted the growing demand for electricity due to the data center AI boom and warned that the OPSB’s decisions are creating an uncertain environment that discourages investment.
The company alleged that some public comments submitted to the OPSB were “fabricated,” based on difficulties verifying the identities of some commenters. The Power Siting Board acknowledged the possibility of anonymous comments but did not address the allegation directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the stated reason for rejecting the Crossroads Solar project?
The Ohio Power Siting Board determined the project did not serve the “public interest, convenience and necessity” due to opposition from some local township trustees and county commissioners.
How many large-scale solar facilities have been rejected in Ohio since 2020?
Seven large-scale solar facilities have been rejected in Ohio since 2020.
What is Open Road Renewables’ future in Ohio?
Open Road Renewables plans to appeal the rejection but has stated it will not begin new projects in Ohio until the state’s renewable energy laws change.
As renewable energy projects face increasing scrutiny, how will Ohio balance local concerns with the growing need for clean energy sources?
