Ohio has taken a significant leap towards a sustainable future with the completion of the first phase of its largest solar farm, Fox Squirrel Solar. This momentous development marks an important milestone in the state’s journey toward renewable energy.
Introducing Fox Squirrel Solar: A Beacon of Clean Energy
Fox Squirrel Solar, positioned in Madison County near Columbus, is a solar powerhouse divided into three segments. The operation of the first segment, the 150 MW Fox Squirrel 1, signals the initiation of a new green energy era for Ohio. With the other segments, Fox Squirrel 2 and Fox Squirrel 3, slated to be functional by mid-2024 and the year’s end, respectively, the anticipation for a cleaner energy grid is palpable.
Once all phases are up and running, Fox Squirrel Solar will hold the capacity to energize approximately 118,000 homes with sustainable energy, marking a pivotal stride in Ohio’s commitment to the environment.
A Groundbreaking Project by EDF Renewables North America
Not only is Fox Squirrel Solar Ohio’s crowning solar farm, it also represents an engineering feat for EDF Renewables North America as their largest onshore clean energy project. With a dazzling array of 1.4 million solar panels and 159 state-of-the-art inverters, this project is a testament to what can be achieved with modern renewable energy technology. At the height of construction for the first phase, a workforce of 650 skillfully installed 10,000 panels each day, a testament to the scale and efficiency of the endeavor.
Investment and Growth Prospects
Enbridge, a prominent Canadian energy firm, has contributed to Phase 1 and persists in evaluating further investments in upcoming phases. Strong 20-year power purchase agreements are already in place, ensuring a stable future for the project’s electricity output.
The project has laid the foundation for Ohio to advance in the solar energy sector. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Ohio is on a trajectory that could take it from ranking 22nd to 4th in the United States for solar capacity, with a projected increase of 8,960 MW in the next five years.
This ambitious project exemplifies the considerable potential of solar energy and sets a benchmark for other states to ramp up their renewable energy initiatives. Ohio’s solar landscape is bound to be transformed as the Fox Squirrel Solar farm continues to expand, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental impact and economic growth.
