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Public Information PresentationUpdated: July 15, 2020
Background
• Geenex Solar, LLC (“Geenex”) is the owner and developer of Fox Squirrel Solar, LLC (“Fox Squirrel” or “Project” or “Applicant”).
• The Applicant is in the process of applying to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to construct a 400 megawatt (MW) solar-powered electric generation facility in Madison County, Ohio.
• On June 17, 2020, the Applicant filed a Motion of Waiver and Request for Approval of an Alternative Method for the Public Information Meeting, Request for Expedited Ruling and Memorandum in Support (the “Motion”) in Case No. 20-931-EL-BGN.
• As part of its proposed alternative public information program, the Applicant committed to preparing and publishing by July 2, 2020 a Power Point presentation containing information about the project for the public to review in advance of its public meetings tentatively scheduled on July 9, 2020 and July 21, 2020.
• On June 30, 2020, the OPSB approved the Motion.
1. Applicant’s organizational structure and history.2. Applicant’s proposed involvement in the Madison County community.3. Description of the need for the project.4. Description of the project including the location, size, and nameplate capacity.5. Project schedule.6. Preliminary project design, engineering, facilities, and other pertinent data.7. Studies relating to, but not limited to, ecological, socioeconomic, environmental, cultural, transportation, and
geotechnical.8. Maps showing the proposed facility at a scale that allows affected property owners to identify the location of their
property in relation to the facility.9. Contact information for the Applicant.10. The Ohio Power Siting Board’s review and certification process.11. Contact information for the Board.12. Dates, time, and instructions for attending the Telephone Town Hall and Virtual Public Information Meeting (PIM).
Contents of Presentation
1. Organizational Structure and History
About of the Developer
• Geenex Solar, LLC was founded in 2012 to develop utility-scale solar projects in the United States.
• Our team consists of 18 industry professionals highly skilled in all aspects of solar development including land acquisition, interconnection, field studies, and permitting.
• Since 2012, we have successfully completed the development of more than 650 MW of solar projects.
• Our current project pipeline includes more than 4,000 MW of solar projects in five states across the PJM service area, including five projects in Ohio totaling 1,700 MW.
Geenex Solar, LLC
Fox Squirrel Solar, LLC
100%
2. Involvement in Madison County• We have been actively negotiating land agreements with landowners in Madison County since early 2019.
Final negotiations of land agreements for the proposed project were completed in early 2020.
• Over the last six months, Applicant has been working to form relationships with Madison County, Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Future, and Madison Plains School District.
• We are proud members of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
• Applicant made a $5,000 donation to the Madison-Plains School District to help provide funding for sanitation and safety needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Go Golden Eagles!)
• Through our sponsorship of the Center for Energy Education (C4EE), K-12 students from Madison County are invited to attend a free STEM summer camp focused on solar energy from July 21 – 24. Signup details are available online: https://center4ee.org/
• Over the coming months, Applicant will work with Madison County officials to secure agreements under the Ohio Qualified Energy Property Tax Exemption program which will create up to $3,600,000 of property tax revenue annually for Madison County over the life of the proposed project.
2-1. Local Project ImpactsWorkforce Development
• Solar construction companies actively seek local hires for installation. In Ohio, property tax program requires 80% of the employees be domiciled in the state.
• Local contractors may be utilized for equipment rental, fencing, site work and more.
• Permanent positions supported during facility’s 30+ year operational life
• landscaping, grounds keeping, site operations and maintenance
• Local workforce development programs through the Center for Energy Education’s engagement with local community colleges and other area organizations.
Economic and Educational
• Significant increase of tax revenue dollars for the county and local school system.
• Increased business for local restaurants, supply stores, gas stations, accommodations, and contractors during time of construction.
• Solar facilities can enhance a county’s reputation as an attractive and friendly environment for advanced manufacturing, technology and related jobs.
• Through our sponsorship of the Center for Energy Education (C4EE), Geenex solar facilities are also a resource for educational opportunities for local students and teachers. C4EE will include area teachers and students in summer camps and educational training programs.
The Center for Energy Education (C4EE) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and a center forrenewable energy research, education, and workforce development for the eastern United States.The C4EE provides a place to raise awareness of renewable energy and its importance locally,regionally, and globally. The C4EE is a hub for the renewable energy industry, a hands-on trainingground for solar installations, a destination for students and families to learn about renewable energyresources, and an education and training facility to provide the knowledge and skills needed topursue a career in the growing renewable energy industry.
3. Description of NeedThe proposed project responds to several important needs in the Ohio region:1. New cost-effective local power generation capacity to replace retiring fossil fuel plants.2. Increased demand for renewable energy from customers throughout the PJM marketplace.3. Education and training opportunities for workforce development in new industries.4. Opportunities for landowners to diversify income and preserve their real estate assets for future generations.
4. Description of Project
Solar Energy Generation – The Basics
Fox Squirrel is a proposed ground-mounted solar energy generation facility in Oak Run, Pleasant and Range Townships of Madison County, Ohio. The facility will have a maximum nameplate capacity of 400 megawatts (MW). The proposed project area currently consists of approximately 3,045 acres “inside the fence” – of which an estimated 732 acres (24%) will be covered by solar panels. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in 2021 and take approximately 18 months to complete. The operational life of the facility is expected to last 30-40 years.
Key Project Data• Technology: Solar Photovoltaic• Racking Type: Single-Axis Tracker• Interconnection Voltage: 345 kV• Maximum export capacity: 400 MW• Buildable area: 3,045 acres (+/-)
5. Project Schedule
2019 2020 2021 2022
Land Acquisition
Interconnection Studies
Field Studies & Engineering
Community Engagement & Permitting
Financing and Construction
Complete
In Process
Pending
July 2020
6. Preliminary Project DesignPlant Design
Maximum export capacity: 400 MW
Total fenced area: 3,045 acres (+/-)
Module wattage: 400 W (bifacial)
Module count: 1,471,300
Inverter rating: 3.27 MW
Inverter count: 124
Racking type: Single-axis tracker (+/- 60o rotation)
Maximum height: 15 feet
Ground coverage ratio: 30% (square), 24% (actual)
Setbacks from Non-Participating Residences
Solar equipment: > 200 feet
Setbacks from Non-Participating Property Lines
Fence line: > 25 feet
Solar equipment: > 75 feet
Setbacks from Road Rights-of-Way
Fence line: > 25 feet
Solar equipment: > 100 feet
400 W bifacial module(6.6 ft × 3.3 ft × 1.38 in)
3.27 MW inverter station(21.7 ft x 7 ft x 7 ft)
Profile view of array at ground level
6-1. Vegetative Buffer Renderings
8 miles from London, OH
5 miles from Mt. Sterling, OH
The maximum height of the solar panels when fully tilted is 15 feet, which has a minimal impact on surrounding viewshed. However, to help alleviate aesthetic concerns, we are proposing to install vegetative buffering at strategic locations around the site. Below are examples of what the vegetative buffer will look like when fully mature.
6-2. Energy Storage OptionAs the deployment of renewable energy capacity continues to increase, there will be a growing need for energy storage technologies to complement solar power plants and help optimize power flows on the grid. We are in the process of analyzing potential energy storage applications for Fox Squirrel project and, if proven economical, the final project application may include either DC-coupled or AC-coupled energy storage. The most likely technology utilized would be lithium-ion batteries, supplied by bankable tier 1 manufacturers.
Solar-Plus-Storage – The Basics
DC-Coupled Storage AC-Coupled StorageDC-CoupledBattery is connected on the DC side of the inverter, allowing the plant to take advantage of “clipped” power that would otherwise be lost during the sunniest hours of the day.
AC-CoupledBattery is connected on the AC side of the inverter, losing the ability to capture clipped power but gaining a wider range of of support services the system can provide to the grid.
7. Project Studies
Complete
In Process
Pending
Drain Tile Mapping
Hydrology Assessment
Archaeology Predictive Model
SHPO Approved Work Plan
Architecture / History Literature Review
Phase 1 Archaeology Survey
Phase 1 Architecture / History Survey
Cultural Socioeconomic / TransportationCivil Environmental /
Ecological Interconnection Land & Title
Title Commitments
ALTA Survey
Frac Out Contingency Plan
LIDAR Topography
Feasibility Study
System Impact Study
Facilities Study
Affected Systems Studies
Economic Impact Study
Geotechnical Study
Sound Level Assessment
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
Threatened & Endangered Species
Construction Route / Transportation Study
Critical Issues / Constraints Analysis
Glint & Glare Analysis
Culvert Inventory
Wetland Delineation
Visual Resources Assessment
Decommissioning Plan
A variety of studies have been completed or will be completed before the facility begins construction next year.
8. Maps of the Proposed Facility
8 miles from London, OH
5 miles from Mt. Sterling, OH
8. Maps of the Proposed Facility
8 miles from London, OH
5 miles from Mt. Sterling, OH
Site Plan
8. Maps of the Proposed Facility
8 miles from London, OH
5 miles from Mt. Sterling, OH
Map 1
8. Maps of the Proposed Facility
8 miles from London, OH
5 miles from Mt. Sterling, OH
Map 2
8. Maps of the Proposed Facility
8 miles from London, OH
5 miles from Mt. Sterling, OH
Map 3
8. Maps of the Proposed Facility
8 miles from London, OH
5 miles from Mt. Sterling, OH
Map 4
9. Applicant’s Contact Information
Website: www.geenexsolar.com/foxsquirrel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/foxsquirrelsolar
Email address: [email protected]
Phone number: (380) 203-2168Questions?
10-11. OPSB Process & Contact Info
12. Upcoming Community Meetings
For more information on how to access, please visit www.geenexsolar.com/foxsquirrel
Please join us for more conversation and information at these following upcoming events:
Thank you!
