Texas-based energy company eyes Logan County for 8th solar farm site in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — A Texas-based energy company is looking to build its eighth solar farm near Indian Lake.

The Grange Solar Project would be an up to 800-megawatt facility, covering 4,000-5,000 acres of land leased directly from area landowners.

The company says this project fits perfectly into the county’s existing infrastructure.

“What’s different here is this is the first project we’re going into where the dominant form of maintenance is sheep grazing. We’re excited that this land can, you know, produce energy year-round and also still contribute to the ag economy out here. A lot of folks are very excited about that,” said Douglas Herling, project vice president.

The project still needs approval from the Ohio Power sitting board. If approved, construction could start as early as 2026. Local leaders say Ohio is a unique place to welcome these types of projects.

“Manufacturing in Ohio is because we have great transportation, a good infrastructure, and we also have labor force that’s available for manufacturing. So all these things make it appealing to look for land in Ohio,” said Cindy Flock, interim exertion association for CSU.

However, several residents are not excited about the project. Several local Facebook groups are raising concerns. Those raising alarms claim the proposed project could destroy productive farmland while also impacting wildlife the lake, and the scenery.

Those groups worried the project could decrease tourism numbers.

2 NEWS reached out to those groups for comment and is waiting to hear back. The company behind the project, Open Road Renewables, is hosting several listening sessions around the county.

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