Ohio solar projects emphasize community engagement to overcome opposition

Ohio solar developers are engaging with local communities early in project planning to mitigate opposition and improve project approval chances.

Kathiann M. Kowalski reports for Energy News Network.

In short:

Vesper Energy and Open Road Renewables are holding listening sessions in Greene and Logan counties to address community concerns.
State law and fossil fuel interests have fueled opposition to solar projects, making community engagement crucial.
Feedback from these sessions aims to shape project designs and enhance public acceptance.

Key quote:

“We’ve been putting a very heavy emphasis on public engagement and, more importantly, listening to concerns from as many stakeholders as we can in the community.”

— Doug Herling, a vice president for Open Road Renewables

Why this matters:

Community input can help solar projects address local concerns, potentially easing approval processes and fostering support for renewable energy initiatives. This collaborative effort is crucial as Ohio continues to navigate the transition to renewable energy sources, balancing environmental benefits with local stakeholder interests.

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Ohio solar projects emphasize community engagement to overcome opposition

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