The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has approved a proposal for the construction of one of the largest solar farms in the US, an 800-megawatt (MW) complex with battery storage in Ohio.
The decision was announced on Thursday by the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC).
The project, known as Oak Run Solar, is being developed by Savion LLC, a subsidiary of Shell plc (SHELL). It will include a photovoltaic (PV) complex with 300 MW of battery energy storage capacity. The project will cover a 6,000-acre site in Madison County's Monroe, Somerford, and Deercreek townships. The land, currently used for agriculture, includes portions owned by Bill Gates' Midwest Farms LLC. The project aims to combine PV generation with farming activities on at least 2,000 acres of the site.
Once operational, Oak Run Solar will generate enough electricity to power approximately 170,000 local homes. Details regarding the construction timeline and commercial operations launch were not provided.
The project is expected to generate USD 250 million (EUR 230.7 million) in tax revenue for Madison County over its anticipated 35-year operational lifespan.
