Cumberland County Residents Learn About Proposed Solar Project

Cumberland County residents gathered at the CCEEBA Community Event Center on Wednesday, August 28, to learn more about Earthrise Energy’s proposed Northwest Solar project. The open house, attended by approximately 30 community members and landowners involved in the project, provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about the 150-megawatt solar development planned for Spring Point and Neoga townships.

“There was a lot of discussion about the economic benefits to the community and the jobs the project would create,” said Nicole Vaughn, Project Developer for Earthrise Energy. “Residents also wanted to understand more about the project’s location and timing.”

Vaughn explained that the solar project would be situated within 2 miles of the company’s Shelby County Energy Center natural gas peaker plant.

“This approach allows us to leverage our existing transmission infrastructure at our plant and ensures a more reliable energy supply,” she explained. “It is a more efficient and effective way to connect the project to the grid while increasing the country’s energy security.”

The Northwest Solar project represents a $327 million investment in the local community and would generate nearly $29 million in additional tax revenue over 50 years. Of that, approximately $19.6 million would go to local school districts, including the local community college, and $3.3 million would go to Cumberland County. Importantly, the project also would create about 150 union construction jobs and about 14 long-term jobs in Cumberland County.

The project also allows landowners leasing their land for the project to diversify their income stream, guaranteeing them rental income for use of their land over a fixed period of years. If approved by the Cumberland County Board, construction on the project could begin in Autumn 2025.

For more information, go to northwestsolarenergy.com.