SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) -For about two years, the Chicago-based energy company, Invenergy Solar Development North America LLC, has been working with Sullivan County officials on a large renewable energy project.
Invenergy has proposed the construction of Fairbanks Solar Energy Center LLC.
“Invenergy has been looking at this area and has talked to land owners over near the Fairbanks area,” said Deann Talley, Director of the Sullivan County Redevelopment Commission. “Hoping to auction land and eventually build a solar farm in that area.”
This proposed farm would cover 1,800 acres in 579,652 solar panels, and would generate 250 megawatts of alternating current electricity.
“What’s been discussed with us is a couple of years of construction for the project,” explained Talley. “So that’s a lot of construction jobs that will bring a lot of workers to the area. Hopefully a lot of local companies will get some of that work.”
According to a petition filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the power from the solar farm will be sold to a wholesale market.
This means the company does not intend to sell to retail customers.
Before construction can begin, the project must be approved by the IURC.
Talley explained the decision will be made at an October 1 meeting hosted by the IURC.
“That’s what the company is waiting to get a definite answer there,” she said. “And then their next steps would be meeting with the county officials and seeing what kind of incentives would be available.”
