Renewable energy producer EDF Renewables North America has officially launched the initial operation of the largest solar farm in Ohio, United States. According to the press release, the Fox Squirrel Solar project’s first phase is now delivering solar energy to the PJM grid.
“The development and operation of Phase 1 marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive Ohio’s future with clean, decarbonized electricity. This project serves as a testament to the invaluable support from the county and community, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring the project’s success.”
Kate O’Hair, Senior Vice President for Onshore Development
Fox Squirrel Solar
EDF Renewables North America erected the Fox Squirrel Solar in Madison County, west of Columbus, as reported by Solar Power World.
The ground-mounted solar facility boasts a 749 MWdc/577 MWac total capacity under three key phases. This remarkable figure enables the project to advance as the state’s largest solar farm and the company’s most major onshore clean energy undertaking.
Impressively, the Fox Squirrel Solar features 1.4 million solar panels and 159 inverters. The Phase I development saw the daily installment of 10,000 solar panels by 650 workers.
Development timeline
As mentioned, EDF Renewables North America developed three phases for the Fox Squirrel Solar construction.
The Fox Squirrel 1, the first phase of the project, officially became operational in December 2023. It will account for 150 MWac /194 MWp of the 749 MWdc/577 MWac total capacity.
The Fox Squirrel 2 will generate a 250 MWac /325 MWp capacity as soon as it launches operation in mid-2024.
Lastly, the Fox Squirrel 3 will complete the project with 177 MWac /230 MWp capacity by the end of the year.
Investments
Canadian energy transportation firm Enbridge reportedly backed the Fox Squirrel Solar’s Phase I development. It is looking to finalize further investments in the subsequent phases through 2024.
“We are pleased to bring into service the first phase of the Fox Squirrel solar project as part of our expanded strategic partnership with EDF Renewables. The development of this project will support local communities and deliver clean power for our customers. The project underscores our energy transition leadership and highlights our rigorous capital allocation process which targets projects that are immediately accretive to DCF per share and complementary to our growth outlook.”
Matthew Akman, Executive Vice President Corporate Strategy and President, Power, Enbridge
In addition, EDF Renewables also announced its successful attainment of a fixed-price power purchase deal with a “strong investment grade counterparty” within 20 years.
This significant development aligns with the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) growth forecast for Ohio’s solar industry. As of today, Ohio ranks 22nd in the US for solar capacity. It may advance to the 4th spot with an estimated addition of 8,960 MW in the next five years.
