Dubois County Commissioners discuss solar updates
Duff Solar Project nears completion
Duff Solar expects to be fully operational by Dec. 11, Commissioner Chad Blessinger told commissioners at Monday’s regular meeting.
Blessinger said he asked EDP Renewables for milestones because residents want to know when construction traffic and noise will end.
The developer listed three dates:
- Mechanical completion, covering piles, racking, solar panels and collection lines: Oct. 26.
- Energization, when the project sends power to the substation: Oct. 28.
- Final completion of the current phase: Dec. 11.
County seeks help checking solar compliance
The commissioners also discussed working with a consultant to assess these types of projects and ensure they remain in compliance with county ordinances and the county’s requirements.
Blessinger said he has reached out to some companies to provide the service and heard back from a few. He said that in his inquiry, he has listed about 11 compliance items to check over the life of the projects. They include items like setbacks, vegetation plans, noise, glare and the road use agreement. Some can’t be checked until the projects are built and running.
Blessinger said he has asked AES and EDP to pay for the work. The existing permits require the developers to repair roads and decommission properly, but did not include fees for compliance work. The companies would put down a deposit to start, and the county would pass later bills on to them through a memorandum of understanding.
“They’re trying to be good partners I believe,” Blessinger said.
Future solar permits, he said, should include fees to cover this work.
Commissioner Serice Stenftenagel agreed that it was a good idea.
RWE still pursuing Shamrock Solar on former mine land
RWE still plans its Shamrock Solar project in Dubois County, Blessinger said, reading from the company’s reply to his questions. At the last regular commissioner meeting, he said his attempts to make contact with the company had gone unanswered. However, since then, the company has responded to his email.
According to Blessinger, the company is focused on building solar on former coal mine land in Southern Indiana, including Gibson, Sullivan and Dubois counties. Shamrock is in early development. RWE is still trying to lease enough land to make the project possible.
“I think they are basically knocking on residents’ doors in Pike, Warrick, Gibson, and probably starting in Dubois County, to see if they can get sufficient leases from people to see if the project is feasible,” he said.
None of RWE’s projects in the area are under construction. Its Francisco project in Gibson County has been permitted. Its Pike and Warrick projects are in early stages.
Blessinger said he told RWE about local opposition to battery storage and asked whether Shamrock would include it. RWE said it originally planned battery storage at the site, is still considering it and has made no final decision.
If RWE secures enough land, it would then seek permits. Construction could start in 2030, with commercial operation in 2031. The company said it has not started the regulatory process with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Blessinger said the simplest way for residents to oppose the project is not to lease their land, because without land the project cannot be built.
